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Hi all,
I am wondering if Flash MX provides any sort of plug-in model similiar to Director's Xtras? I'd like to write an extension for ActionScript that will allow me to perform network communication with a remote server.
To elaborate here are some more details:
I'd like to be able to write ActionScripts that call the functions exposed by the C++ extension I created. Similarly, I'd also like to have the extension be able to pass native C++ calls into Flash MX that map them into their corresponding ActionScripts. This is similar to a Phython extension that passes information back and forth between a client and server that run on different backend systems. Being said, I am trying to figure out if Flash MX supports such "plugin" or "extension" models.
I have learned of this OpenSWF and MM File Format SDK. Not sure if they are the way to go? I thought they are really for *creating* swf movies, thereby adding reusable components to the existing flash application --- which isn't what I want to do.
Another thought: can I take the existing flash plugin for netscape, say, npswf32.dll, in the hope that I will be able to write some plugin to interface it? If this were the case, could any of you point me to any API that details all the header functions and parameters?
Any suggestions? Thanks so much in advance for any of your help. I really apprecite it!
jsu
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The Flash Player 6 is not extensible via C++ the same way Director uses Xtras. Our goal with the Flash Player is to have everyone have a predictable user experience without having to require additional software.
There are a number of ActionScript features that already allow for network I/O but there are security restrictions that limit network access with the Flash Player. These are the same security limitations that are another reason for the lack of a C++ extensibility API.
As far as wrapping code around the Flash Player, you may be better off using the ActiveX control as it's easier to integrate into Visual Basic or C++ projects. Needless to say, Macromedia doesn't support that kind of hacking...er, experimentation.
If you require a multimedia player that is extensible with C++ code, please check out Macromedia Director.
JV
