What is Flex?

Flex is a free, open source framework for building expressive web applications that deploy consistently on all major
browsers, desktops, and operating systems. It provides a modern, standards-based language and programming
model that supports common design patterns and a fast, enterprise-class client runtime based on ubiquitous Adobe®
Flash® Player software. Flex enables enterprises to create highly interactive, expressive applications that
dramatically enhance the user experience, increasing customer satisfaction and user productivity. Adobe offers a
professional Eclipse™ based IDE, Adobe Flash Builder™ software, plus advanced data services through the open
source BlazeDS project and commercial Adobe LiveCycle® Data Services software.

What kinds of applications can be built with Flex?

You can use Flex to create a wide range of highly interactive, expressive applications. For example, a data
visualization application built in Flex can pull data from multiple back-end sources and display it visually. Business
users can drill down into the data for deeper insight and even change the data and have it automatically updated on
the back end. A product configuration application can help customers navigate the process of selecting or
customizing products online. A self-service application can guide customers through an address change or help
employees complete an otherwise complicated, multistep benefits enrollment process.

What software do I need to build Flex applications?

You can create and deploy Flex applications using only the open source Flex framework. For a more productive
development experience, you can use commercially available Flash Builder software. For a more productive, higher
performing approach to connecting Flex applications to back-end services, you can use BlazeDS, a free, open source
Java™ solution. BlazeDS includes both the Action Message Format (AMF), which provides binary, serialized data
transport, and Flex messaging services, which offers real-time data push. LiveCycle Data Services ES2 can deliver
large-scale data services and data push and offers new model-driven development support.

How do I learn Flex?

There are many ways you can learn and get started using Flex. You can learn on your own using the resources in
the Adobe Developer Connection, including a free, online video training course. There are many books and online
instructional coursesavailable through Adobe partners. You can attend an eSeminar to get an overview or participate
in a formal, instructor-led course offered by an Adobe training partner either on-site or off-site.

What is Flash Builder?

Adobe Flash Builder 4 is a professional-grade Eclipse based development tool that enables intelligent coding,
interactive step-through debugging, and visual design of the user interface layout, appearance, and behavior of rich
Internet applications (RIAs). You can import assets from Adobe Creative Suite® software or entire projects from
Adobe Flash Catalyst™ software into Flash Builder 4, making it easy for designers and developers to work together.
Flash Builder is licensed on a per-seat developer basis and is available starting at US$249. You can download a 60-
day free trial of Flash Builder to get started.

Q 1. Types of Binding
Ans: Using the curly braces ({}) syntax
Using ActionScript expressions in curly braces
Using the tag in MXML
Using bindings in ActionScript(BindingUtils)

Q 2. How to create your own event

Ans: Creating a subclass from the Event class
Using the Event metadata tag
Dispatching an event

Q 3. Event Bubbling
Ans: The mechanism through which event objects are passed from the objects that generates an
event up through the containership hierarchy

Q 4. Life cycle of Flex Application/Component?

Ans: Preinitialize: The application has been instantiated but has not yet created any child
components.
Initialize: The application has created child components but has not yet laid out those components.
creationComplete: The application has been completely instantiated and has laid out all components

Q 5. How you implement MVC in your Application

Ans: Cairngorm is based on the MVC model. It is specifically designed to facilitate complex state and
data synchronization between the client and the server, while keeping the programming of the View
layer detached from the data implementation.
The role of the View layer in a Cairngorm application is to throw events and bind to data stored in the
Model. Components on the View can bind to Value Objects or other properties in the Model (data)
layer.
In a Cairngorm Model, related data are stored in Value Objects (VOs), while simple variables can be
stored as direct properties of the ModelLocator class. A static reference to the ModelLocator singleton
instance is used by the View layers to locate the required data.
The Controller is the most sophisticated part of the Cairngorm architecture. The Controller layer is
implemented as a singleton FrontController. The FrontController instance, which receives every View-
generated event, dispatches the events to the assigned Command class based on the event's declared
type.
The Command class then processes the event by running the Command class' execute() method,
which is an ICommand interface method. The event object may include additional data if required by
the developer. The execute() method can update the central Model, as well as invoke a Service class
which typically involves communication with a remote server. The IResponder interface, which is also
implemented by the Command class, includes onResult and onFault methods to handle responses
returned from the invoked remote service.

Q 6. Difference btw Java and Flex Getters Setters

Ans: When it comes to getters and setters, Java and AS are quite different, in that getters and setters
are part of the core ECMAScript language, whereas in Java, getters and setters are done through a
naming convention.
In Java, it is almost never a good idea to make member variables public. If you do decide to make
member variables public and then later want to change the interface to use getter/setter functions,
you will have to modify all callers of your interfaces, which is onerous at best and in many cases, not
possible (expecially when you are creating code that is used by other people).
Meanwhile, in ECMAScript, the externally visible interface doesn’t change when I go from a member
variable to a getter/setter and back again. In some sense, the interface hiding is already accomplished
in the language. Creating public member variables is “safe” in this sense.
Perhaps this is already obvious to all the AS-heads out there, but it took me a bit of time to get used
to the concept.

Q 7. How many events are fired when your focus goes in one text box, you enter some text and then
press tab.
Ans: PreinitializeHandler(), initializeHandler(), itemEditBegin, itemEditEnd, creationComplete()

Q 8. How you use styles different ways of using Style sheet

Ans: Using external style sheets, Using local style definitions, Using the StyleManager class ,Using the
setStyle() and getStyle() methods, Using inline stylesLoading style sheets at run time

Q 9. How can you use two Styles at the same time

Ans: Using external style sheets and use Inline style commands

Q 10. Try to remember properties of few imp components

Ans:
< id="WeatherService" wsdl="http:/example.com/ws/WeatherService?wsdl" useproxy="false">
< !-- Bind the value of the ZIP code entered in the TextInput control to the ZipCode parameter of the
GetWeather operation. -->
< name="GetWeather">

<>{zip.text}
< /mx:request>
< /mx:operation>

Q 11. What is the difference between Flex 2.0 and Flex 3.0
Ans: Enhanced Features like Faster compilation time, SWF file size reduction, Flex/Ajax bridge,
Advanced Datagrid, Interactive debugging, Cross-Domain, Versionable, Easy to Use,Security and Code
Signing,Failover and Hosting,Cross-Domain RSL, Advanced DatagridDeep Linking, Resource Bundles
and Runtime Localization, Flex Component Kit for Flash CS3, Compilation, Language
IntelligenceRefactoring, Class Outline,Code Search, Profiler, Module Support, Multiple SDK Support,
Skin Importer, Design View Zoom/Pan,Design Mode support for ItemRenderers, Advanced Constraints,
CS3 Suite integration, CSS Outline, CSS Design View, Flex 3 SDK Skinning/Style Enhancements

Q 12. How will you call Java method from Flex?

Ans: Using Remote Object.

Q 13. What are the config files used for connecting Java and Flex?
Ans:
data-management-config.xml,
messaging-config.xml,
proxy-config.xml,
remoting-config.xml,
services-config.xml

Q 14. What are the channels and their types

Ans: The Channel class is the base message channel class that all channels in the messaging system
must extend.
Channels are specific protocol-based conduits for messages sent between MessageAgents and remote
destinations. Preconfigured channels are obtained within the framework using the
ServerConfig.getChannel() method. You can create a Channel directly using the new operator and add
it to a ChannelSet directly
In Flex AMFChannel is used mostly. Action Message Format
Methods
applySettings (),connect(),connectFailed(),connectSuccess(), connectTimeoutHandler()
disconnect(),disconnectFailed(),disconnectSuccess(),flexClientWaitHandler(),
getMessageResponder(),internalConnect(),internalDisconnect(),internalSend(),logout()
send(),setCredentials()
Properties
authenticated,channelSets,connected,connectTimeout,endpoint,failoverURIs,protocol,
reconnecting,recordMessageSizes,recordMessageTimes,requestTimeout,uri

Q 15. Give the name of Collection which can be mapped to java and Flex and vice-versa
Ans: java.lang.String String
java.lang.Boolean, boolean Boolean
java.lang.Integer, int int
java.lang.Short, short int
java.lang.Byte, byte[] int
java.lang.Byte[] flash.utils.ByteArray
java.lang.Double, double Number
java.lang.Long, long Number
java.lang.Float, float Number
java.lang.Character, char String
java.lang.Character[], char[] String
java. math.BigInteger String
java.math.BigDecimal String
java.util.Calendar Date
java.util.Date Date
java.util.Collection mx.collections.ArrayCollection(for example, java.util.ArrayList)java.lang.Object[]
Arrayjava.util.Map Object (untyped). For example, a java.util.Map[] is converted to an array (of
objects).
java.util.Dictionary Object (untyped)
org.w3c.dom.Document XML object
java.lang.Object (other than previously listed types) Typed Object
Objects are serialized by using JavaBean introspection rules and also include public fields. Fields that
are static, transient, or nonpublic, as well as bean properties that are nonpublic or static, are
excluded.

Q 16. How can you call JavaScript from MXML

Ans: IExternalInterface.call()

Q 17. How can you access a var defined in 1 MXML flex in to another MXML file
Ans: Create 1 object of MXML fiel into another MXML File

Q 18. Is it possible to make httpService Requests synchronous?

Ansvar mytoken:AsyncToken = yourservice.send();
mytoken.addResponder(new ItemResponder(function,errorFunction));
OR
You can create a result handler to your HTTPService.
remoteObjectName.Your method
name.addEventListener("result",HandlerFunction,false,0,true);

Q 19. I need to load an image from flickr into my application. Do I need a crossdomain.xml file on
flickr?
Ans: every SWF file you view runs locally on your machine. This means that a SWF would have HTTP
access to all machines behind the company firewall. To prevent this, every server other than the one
the SWF is loaded from, needs to have a crossdomain.xml file in its root, listing all domains that have
access to that particular server

Q 20. What is the difference between httpService and Data Service?

Basically, Flex allows three types of RPC services: HttpService, WebServices, and RemoteObject
Services. In Flex, using the “RemoteObjects specifies named or unnamed sources and connects to an
Action Message Format (AMF) gateway, whereas using the HTTPService and WebService use named
services or raw URLs and connect to an HTTP proxy using text-based query parameters or XML”.
Specifically, HTTPServices use raw HTTP requests, WebServices use the SOAP protocol and
RemoteObjects uses AMF3.
Q 21. How do you generate random numbers within a given limit with actionscript?
Ans:var randNum:Number = Math.random()*100;

Q 22. Have you built any components with actionscript? If so explain how you did it?
Ans:
package myComponents{
import mx.controls.Button;
public class MyButton extends Button {
public function MyButton() {
super();
label="Submit";
}}}

Q 23. How do you implement push on a flex applications?

Ans
Messaging systems let separate applications communicate asynchronously as peers by passing
packets of data called messages back and forth through a Message Service. A message usually
consists of a header and a body. The header contains an identifier and routing information. The body
contains application data.

So, you will be building an application that allows you to asynchronously send data through the DS
message service to our Flex client application. Here are some key DS messaging terms:

Producer: Producers are applications that create/send messages to the destination.

Consumer: Consumers are applications that receive messages from the destination.
Message Destination: Destinations are the resources used for both publish-subscribe and point-to-
point messaging.
Message Channel: The channel is the method for connecting producers and consumers to the
destination (using an endpoint).
Message Endpoint: An endpoint is the interface responsible for encoding and decoding data into
messages.
Message Adaptor: The adaptor defines the messaging implementation. Options include using the
ActionScriptAdapter provided with DS, or an external Java Message Service (JMS) provider.

Q 24. I am going to add images into a tag. How will it resize itself?

Q 25. What is a resource Manager??

Q 26. What are the similarities between java and flex?

Q 27. What is the dynamic keyword used for?

Q 28. How do you implement push with flex data services?

Q 29. What are the methods called when a UI component is intialized?

Q 30. How do you implement drag and drop on components that do not support ondrag and ondrop?

Q 31. Can you write to the file system from flex?

Q 32. What is a drag manager?
Ans: Manages the drag-and-drop operations; for example, its doDrag() method starts the drag
operation.

Q 33. How do you call javascript from Flex?

Ans:flash.external.ExternalInterface.call(function_name: String[, arg1, ...]):Object;

Q 34. How do you use a repeater?

Ans:
< id="rp" dataprovider="{dp}">
< height="49" width="50" click="Alert.show(String (event.currentTarget.getRepeaterItem()) + '
pressed')" label="{String (rp.currentItem)}">
< /mx:repeater>

Q 35. What are three ways to skin a component in flex?

Ans: Graphical skins: Images that define the appearance of the skin. These images can JPEG, GIF,
or PNG files, or they can be symbols embedded in SWF files. Typically you use drawing software such
as Adobe® PhotoShop® or Adobe® Illustrator® to create graphical skins.
Programmatic skins: ActionScript or MXML classes that define a skin. To change the appearance of
controls that use programmatic skins, you edit an ActionScript or MXML file. You can use a single class
to define multiple skins.
Stateful skins: A type of programmatic skin that uses view states, where each view state
corresponds to a state of the component.The definition of the view state controls the look of the skin.
Since you can have multiple view states in a component, you can use a single component to define
multiple skins.

Q 36. How do you use css styles in flex?

Ans: Using external style sheets, Using local style definitions, Using the StyleManager class ,Using the
setStyle() and getStyle() methods, Using inline stylesLoading style sheets at run time.

Q 37. What is the difference between sealed class and dynamic classes?
Ans: Sealed Classes: ActionScript 3.0 introduces the concept of sealed classes. A sealed class
possesses only the fixed set of properties and methods that were defined at compile time; additional
properties and methods cannot be added. This enables stricter compile-time checking, resulting in
more robust programs. It also improves memory usage by not requiring an internal hash table for
each object instance. Dynamic classes are also possible using the dynamic keyword. All classes in
ActionScript 3.0 are sealed by default, but can be declared to be dynamic with the dynamic keyword.
Dynamic classes A dynamic class defines an object that can be altered at run time by adding or
changing properties and methods. A class that is not dynamic, such as the String class, is a sealed
class. You cannot add properties or methods to a sealed class at run time.
dynamic class Protean
{ //Use dynamic keyword before the name of class
}

Q 38. What is e4X and XML?

Ans: E4X means "ECMAScript For XML
Using E4X, we can develop code with XML data faster than was possible with previous programming
techniques. E4X provides a set of classes and functionality for working with XML data. ActionScript 3.0
includes the following E4X classes: XML, XMLList, QName, and Namespace.
Here is an example of manipulating data with E4X:
var myXML:XML =
<>
< id="'1'">
<>burger
<>3.95
< /item>
< id="'2'">
<>fries
<>1.45
< /item>
< /order>
trace (myXML.item[0].menuName); // Output: burger
trace (myXML.item.(@id==2).menuName); // Output: fries
trace (myXML.item.(menuName=="burger").price); // Output: 3.95

Q 39. What is state? What is the difference between states and ViewStack?
Ans:View Stack is to handle different MXML file eg TAB control, and states is the transition within
single MXML file

Q 40. How does item renderer work? How do I add item renderer at runtime?

Q 41.. What keyword allows you to refer to private variables of a class?

Q 42. How polymorphism works on actionscript?

Q 43.. How do you overload functions in actionscript?

Q 44. What is dynamic keyword used for?

Ans: Those Classes which should be extended and changed are called Dynamic classes

Q 45. What are sealed classes?

Ans: Classes whichyou cant extend. ex String

Q 46. What are runtime shared libraries?

Q 47. What is caringhorm? How do you use it? Have you worked with Cairngorms?

Q 48. What keyword allows you to implement abstraction better?

Q 49. What design patterns have you used? In Actionscript and java?

Q 50. What's the difference between Java and AS3 getters and setters? Ans: I have to explicitly call a
setter/getter function in Java, while AS3 allows me to Access my setters and getters as though they
are variables.
Q 51. Explain the component lifecycle.
Q 52. Tell me about dataServices
Q 53. understanding of MVC
Q 54. They ask what frameworks you aree familiar with When getting developers to help create
"standard" application, I'd weight a lot more heavily on the as3 questions. Aside from basic "show me
how you'd write X" algorithm questions, you can ask more in depth ones about the workings of the
language:
Q 55. Explain how binding works in mxml components.
Q 56. Explain the ChangeWatcher.Wach()
Ans: You can detect when a binding occurs in your application. Flex includes
the mx.binding.utils.ChangeWatcherclass that you can use to define a watcher for a data binding.
Typically, your event watcher invokes an event listener when the binding occurs

Q 57. Why would you want to keep a reference to a ChangeWatcher and call unwatch()?
Q 58. How do you add event listeners in mxml components. Now AS3 components?
Q 59. What does calling preventDefault() on an event do? How is this enforced?
Ans: Prevent defaults helps skipping the default behaviour or any componnent. Like in radio Button
when you will click it will get selected, but if you want only the skin to be changed you can use
preventDefault()

Q 60. (If applicable) Explain the lifecycle of a Cairngorm action.

Q 61. I was interviewed for a Flex position. The hiring manager kept on asking Java and J2EE
questions. So, I asked him politely: you are hiring me for a flex position, why do you keep on asking
Java questions?
Q 62. What are some ways to specify styles on components?

Q 63. What is the problem with calling setStyle()

Ans: When you are instantiating an object and setting the styles for the first time, you should try to
apply style sheets rather than use the setStyle() method because it is computationally expensive. This
method should only be used when you are changing an object's styles during run time
Q 64. Explain the difference between creating an effect and setting the target as opposed to adding
an effectListener
Q 65. What do repeater components do?
Q 66. How do you identify a component created in a repeater?

Q 67. What is state? What is the difference between states and ViewStack? Ans: View Stack is to
handle different MXML file eg TAB control.And states is the transition within single MXML file
ViewStack should be used where there is complete change in the controls used and States should be
used when you just want to add or remove afew components based on certain conditions.
Login/Registration/Forgot password is the best example for using States as each page will either add
or remove to the already existing one.

Q 68. What is the difference between httpService and Data Service? Ans. The Flex presentation layer
communicates with the business layer by using Flex data services, which are objects you insert in a
Flex file. Specifically, you can use Flex data services to interact with the following:
* Web services
* HTTP services
* Remote objects
A Flex data service is an object you insert in an MXML file to communicate with the business layer of a
multi-tier application. You use data services to send and receive data from web services, HTTP URLs,
and remote objects such as server-based Java objects. An HTTP service is nothing more than an HTTP
request to a URL. The primary purpose of HTTP services is to retrieve XML data from an external
source.

Q 69. Why you don’t Embed all images in your application

Ans: That increases the size of the SWF File
Q 70. What type of images can be loaded
Ans: (PNG, GIF, JPEG, SWF at run time and PNG, GIF, JPEG, SWF, SVG at compile time)

Q 71. Explain ContainerCreationPolicy

Ans: This is used with the containers like Accordian, ViewStack etc. depending upon the
ContainerCreationPolicy you have set accordingly the child pages will be loaded.
ALL Immediately create all descendants.
AUTO: Delay creating some or all descendants until they are needed.
NONE: Do not create any children.
QUEUED: Add the container to a creation queue.

Q 72. What are the factory classes

Ans: Factory class The factory class creates an object of the instance class to perform the effect on
the target. You create a factory class instance in your application, and configure it with the necessary
properties to control the effect, such as the zoom size or effect duration.

Q 73. Explain Metadata

Ans: You insert metadata tags into your MXML and ActionScript files to provide information to the
Adobe Flex compiler. Metadata tags do not get compiled into executable code, but provide information
to control how portions of your code get compiled.

Q 74. I was asked too many questions on the event bubbling, Like how to capture and event if the
component is disabled.
Ans: addEventListner on the parents and enable the component in that handler

Q 75. obj.addEventListener(MouseEvent.CLICK, MouseClickHAndler); in this obj should inherit which

class?
Ans: DispachEvent
You can manually dispatch events using a component instance's dispatchEvent() method. All
components that extend UIComponent have this method
objectInstance.dispatchEvent(event:Event):Boolean

Q 76.Why we extent Sprite Class in our Graphical Classes?

Q 77.What is Layout Manager and explain the Properties and Methods?

AnsThe LayoutManager is the engine behind Flex's measurement and layout strategy. Layout is
performed in three phases; commit, measurement, and layout.
The commit phase begins with a call to validateProperties(), which walks through a list (sorted by
nesting level) of objects calling each object's validateProperties()method.

The objects in the list are processed by nesting order, with the most deeply nested object accessed
first. This can also be referred to as bottom-up inside-out ordering.

The measurement phase begins with a call to validateSize(), which walks through a list (sorted by
nesting level) of objects calling each object's validateSize() method to determine if the object has
changed in size.

The layout phase begins with a call to the validateDisplayList() method, which walks through a list
(reverse sorted by nesting level) of objects calling each object's validateDisplayList() method to
request the object to size and position all components contained within it (i.e. its children).
Property of LayoutManager
usePhasedInstantiation : Boolean
A flag that indicates whether the LayoutManager allows screen updates between phases.

Q 78.How do you call a method in particular ItemRenderer. Also the ItemRenderer is your own
Custom Component.
Ans
<>
< id="comboBox" dataprovider="{statesXMLList}" labelfield="@name"
itemrenderer="ComboBoxItemRenderer">
< /mx:Application>
View ComboBoxItemRenderer.mxml
< ?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>

< mx="http://www.adobe.com/2006/mxml" stylename="plain">

< text="{data.@name}" onclick="MyOwnMethodThatIWantToCall()">
< /mx:VBox>

Q 79.How can you implement Singleton in Flex Application?

Ans:If you are a Java Programmer dont be mistaken by saying create Private Constructor. We cant
create private Constructor in Flex.

Q 80.Give similiarities btw Java and Flex

Ans: Both are object Oriented, Encapsulation, Inheritance, Abstraction and Polymorphism are
implemeted in both of the technologies.
*The package like imports
*Availability of Classes in the scripting language
*Capabilities Arrays & ArrayCollections
*On the UI end, similarities to SWING

What do I need to start building Flex applications today?

A. The fastest, easiest way to get started is to use Flex Builder 3. Flex Builder 3 has an integrated set of
getting started capabilities that will guide you through your first Flex application. Alternatively, you can
download the Free Adobe® Flex™ 3 SDK, which includes the Flex framework, compilers and debuggers,
enabling you to develop Flex applications using an IDE of your choice.

Q. How is Flex different from Flash?

A. Both Flash and Flex applications are rendered in the browser using Flash Player and on the desktop
using the Adobe AIR™ runtime. Flash is the leading authoring tool for web developers, multimedia
professionals, animators and videographers who want to create interactive content. Developers may find it
difficult to use the Flash tool to create applications. Flex provides developers who know traditional
programming technologies like Java, PHP, AJAX and .NET with an easy-to-learn application framework to
create RIAs. In addition, developers can embed Flash elements inside a Flex application. Using the Flex
Component Kit for Flash, Flash developers can create customer Flex components.
Q. Can I create content in Flash and use it in Flex?
A. Yes, developers using Flex Builder 3 can easily import custom Flex components developed using the
Flex Component Kit for Flash with Flash CS3 Professional.

Q. Can I use Flex with AJAX?

A. Yes. Flex 3 and AJAX technology continue to complement each other well, and the included FABridge
helps you integrate rich Flex components with AJAX applications. The FABridge is a small, unobtrusive
library of code included in the Free Flex 3 SDK that you can insert into a Flex application, a Flex component,
or an empty SWF file to expose it to scripting in the browser.

Q. What capabilities can Flex add to AJAX?

A. Flash and Flex technology can augment AJAX to overcome chronic browser limitations in offline data
access, audio/video, vector graphics, high-performance data exchange and message-based
publish/subscribe applications. In addition, LiveCycle Data Services ES lets you connect both Flex- and
AJAX-based RIAs with LiveCycle document and process services for richer interfaces that smoothly integrate
with business processes.