This is a quick, holiday example of what Flex 2 and Flex Data Services simplify.

1) Flex 2 Data Services' real-time publish/subscribe capability. I am using two producers and two consumers to message the the days until December 25 2007, and allowing connected clients to message back and forth (humorously called throwing a snowball).

Tip: You can either open two browser windows or have a friend go to the same demo to try the messaging back and forth.

2) Loading and playing MP3's (as well as muting and re-playing the sound)

3) Using a non-default preloader (a snowflake)

4) Adding a backgroundImage Flash swf (snowing effect)

5) Utilizing a ColdFusion CFC to communicate with a mySQL database backend to store the messages in the snowballs thrown.

I hope this example helps you with your Flex 2 coding and further entices you to experiment with Flex 2 and Flex 2 Data Services.

Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas (Feliz Navidad, Joyeux Noel, Frohe Weihnachten, Natale allegro, Christmas Alegre, God Jul, Glaedelig Jul, Vrolijk kerstfeest, Hauskaa Joulua, Boas Festas, Maligayang Pasko)

Mike Givens
December 2007

Oh yeah, here's the link Try It     * Source code is included.