Easily build and deploy web apps!
One of the most popular cross-operating system runtime, Adobe AIR gives developers and individual Mac users a wide range of abilities for running web applications. It lets you create rich web apps using XML, HTML, Flex, and JavaScript. Overall, Adobe AIR is a multi-faceted and flexible tool for building and deploying web apps.
Multiple use cases and deployment scope!
The perfect tool for developers to create and share rich web apps.
Since the rise of HTML5, Adobe has paid special attention to Flash Player development. At the same time, it hasn’t ignored Adobe AIR, which has been a prominent content-delivery system. The latest version comes with several improvements, including the revamped Stage 3D platform.
Adobe, short for Adobe Integrated Runtime, is a platform that allows you to run multiple applications across operating systems with a single-language code. As such, you don’t need to learn or use multiple coding languages.
Easy to get started
Adobe AIR has been famous for giving people the same user experience, whether on Linux, Windows, or Mac. Downloading and installing it is easy and hassle-free. In fact, if you install an AIR app without having installed the platform, you’ll be instantly prompted to download it.
Stage 3D is an excellent addition
With Stage 3D, Adobe AIR combines hardware-accelerated 3D and 2D graphics rendering. It’s up to 1,000 times faster than the previous versions. While Stage 3D is only available for Mac and Windows desktops, it will soon be available for mobile apps too.
Using Stage 3D, Mac users will be able to effortlessly work on complex graphics development. Some developers will be able to use this feature as a good alternative for special projects, especially for cross-platform collaboration.
The latest version of Adobe AIR includes better support for all kinds of device types. With captive runtime support, you will be able to combine AIR with several programs, thereby removing the need to separately install the platform. Additionally, native extensions can greatly improve Adobe AIR’s capabilities.
Deploy cross-platform apps
With Adobe AIR, developers can work on state-of-the-art animations using high-quality bitmap caching and support. Most importantly, graphics accelerated by 2D/3D GPU produce an advanced level of rendering. Currently, it’s the best on the market.
With Adobe Access technology, the content inside AIR packages is always fully protected. It’s a certified DRM protection algorithm working for a wide range of business models, such as subscription-based websites, e-commerce platforms, and video on demand apps.
Adobe AIR uses text compression and LZMA to optimize the code’s performance. Moreover, developers can use native extensions to call directly into the code.
Integration with several web services
Adobe AIR lets developers create desktop tools and hybrid applications without much fuss. These can integrate with several web services, while allowing offline functionality unavailable with website browsers. Adobe AIR also provides dock and taskbar notifications.
With the latest improvements, Adobe has been focused on turning AIR into an alternative development environment, while maintaining its overall relevance on the internet.
Native extensions for better feasibility
As mentioned earlier, native extensions allow you to directly call into platform-specific code. Additionally, you get access to free sets of native libraries through Adobe’s Game Developer Tools, which empower projects and capabilities.
Scope for subtle improvements
While Adobe AIR is an excellent platform, the company hasn’t focused on promotion. Moreover, the unnecessary association with Flash isn’t helping the case. As a cross-platform development tool, AIR needs to be recognized as a standalone program, while including the virtues of Flash and other similar technologies.
Another drawback is the lack of a strong AIR community. While you’ll find plenty of resources to get help, there’s no communication between the community and Adobe developers. As such, many people are still unaware of the platform’s tremendous capabilities. In fact, some people still believe it’s the same as Flash, which isn’t the case.
For instance, a lot of developers think that Apple doesn’t accept web applications written with Adobe AIR. That’s not true! Having said that, an enthusiastic community for AIR already exists. Adobe just needs to stay connected with the people who’re part of the community.
Without a doubt, Adobe AIR is one of the most reliable runtime platforms to be used for building and deploying applications. With a clean interface, it manages to provide a compact, simple, and streamlined procedure.
Where can you run this program?
Adobe AIR is available for Mac OS, Windows, Android, and iOS. For Mac OS, it is compatible with version 10.0 and above. AIR SDK development supports Mac OS 10.12 and above.
Is there a better alternative?
While Adobe AIR is a great choice, you might be looking for a few alternatives. Xcode, an IDE (integrated development environment) for testing, debugging, and developing apps is an amazing platform. It has a huge collection of software development tools, including the renowned Objective C Compiler by Apple. The only drawback is that Xcode creates apps that run only on Apple devices.
Another good choice is Microsoft Visual Studio. It’s an integrated development environment for developing graphical user interface and console applications. You can also build web apps, WPF applications, Windows Forms, web services, and web sites. However, it’s way more expensive than Adobe AIR. Another good but expensive alternative is OutSystems, which lets you build web portals, mobile apps, critical systems, and more. It focuses on digital transformation without the need of heavy coding.
Our take
With Adobe AIR, developers can use Adobe Flash software, JavaScript, ActionScript, and HTML to build rich web applications. Since it builds and deploys standalone client applications, you don’t have to be limited by the constraints of a web browser. Overall, it’s an excellent platform available for Mac machines.
Should you download it?
Yes, definitely! Adobe AIR is the perfect platform to unleash your creativity as a developer or designer. It allows you to work seamlessly in a flexible and consistent development environment. As such, you’re able to deliver a wide range of applications suitable for multiple platforms and devices. For building and deploying web applications, Adobe AIR will be an excellent choice.
