ArcGIS Server Flex API IDE

[ToddMcNeil]

I've been looking over the system requirements for the Flex API and Adobe Flash Builder 4 software is the recommended IDE.  The Adobe Flex 4 SDK is also recommended.  My organization does not have this IDE but what we do have is the Adobe Flash CS3 Professional which is a couple of years old.  Will this give my organization the ability to build ArcGIS Server Flex applications using Action Script 3 and MXML?  Also, is the Adobe Flex 4 SDK a separate piece of software or is it integrated into the Flash Builder 4 IDE?

[ReneRubalcava]

Todd, I can't answer with certainty in trying to compile the Flex API apps with CS3, but don't think it would work, or at least not easily.

FlashDevelop is a free Flash/Flex IDE I have heard lots of good things about.
http://www.flashdevelop.org/wikidocs/index.php?title=Main_Page

[BjornSvensson]

Also, is the Adobe Flex 4 SDK a separate piece of software or is it integrated into the Flash Builder 4 IDE?

The Adobe Flex 4 SDK is included as part of Flash Builder 4, but can also be downloaded separately from http://opensource.adobe.com/wiki/display/flexsdk/Download+Flex+4.

[ToddMcNeil]

odoe and bjorn,

Thanks for the quick replies and I'll check out the FlashDevelop IDE.  Odoe, you stated that you don't think the CS3 would work.  Would you care to elaborate?  I checked out that it is compatible with ActionScript3 but not sure if it's compatible with Flex API Version 1.x or 2.x.

Bjorn, would you suggest the Adobe products which I might be able to convince my organization to buy or is the FlashDevelop IDE adequate enough to build Flex API apps on ArcGIS Server 9.3.1?

[MollyAzami]

Decided to ask my question here, since it is the same topic.

I am currently investigating FlashDevelop and also Eclipse for Flex 4 IDEs. 

I have found what looks like a good step by step for setting up Eclipse for the Flex SDK. (I have used Eclipse before for RDF and OWL work)

FlashDevelop looks to be pretty straight forward.  Does anyone have recommendation of one over the other. 

(if you have seen my posts in the silverlight forum...I am experimenting with both to see which is best for our company)

Thanks!

[MollyAzami]

Just as an update...

I now have Eclipse downloaded and have installed Axdt.  It is working great, although I am just viewing an existing project.  I am not sure how it will be for building a new one.. building a widget, say...