Editing work flow question

[MikeHargreaves]

I have a user who would like to be able to select a pipe or pipes, and then have a buffer of this selection become a new feature in a separate layer.  Is there any way to set this up in the FV?  Can published geoprocessing tasks be consumed in the FV or would this be better accomplished by creating a custom widget.  I'm just starting with the FV, and any ideas on which direction to take would be appreciated.  Thanks.

[BjornSvensson]

You would have to work with the source code and write your own widget.  It is not possible to set it up with the compiled version.

Yes, geoprocessing tasks can be consumed by the Flex Viewer (if you have a matching widget).

In your case, you don't need to do it using a geoprocessing task, but instead combine selections and editing functionality into your own new widget.

[MikeHargreaves]

Thanks Bjorn,

Any ideas for a good reference for someone just getting started with creating cusom widgets?

[BjornSvensson]

If you are already familiar with Flex API development, then start with:
http://help.arcgis.com/en/webapps/flexviewer/help/index.html#developers/hellowidget.htm

[MikeHargreaves]

And if I'm not?  All I've done so far is play with the config.xml and some of the widget .xmls...

[BjornSvensson]

Before you start developing (or editing) Flex Viewer source code and compiling it within Flash Builder, you are need some skills in general Flex development as well as working with the Flex API.

One way to achieve that is the Esri training class - "Building Web Applications Using the ArcGIS API for Flex"
http://training.esri.com/gateway/index.cfm?fa=catalog.courseDetail&CourseID=50121730_10.x

To learn Flex in general, Adobe has lots of resources, starting at their Flex Developer Central - http://www.adobe.com/devnet/flex.html, for example:

Flex Test Drive - Build an application in an hour

Flex in a Week video training