Is XML the only way you can pass external data to flash in an array?

Is XML the only way you can pass external data to flash in an array?
Or is there another way?

You can pass the data in a single string variable using a delimiter, such as a comma.

xx=dog,sheep,cats,elephants

These variables can be passed using LoadVars, or sent to the movie as part of the HTML that loads it.

Then use the String.split function to turn it into an array inside flash.

xary = xx.split(',');

This works? That is a great idea! Thank you!