What is Adobe Air?

Adobe Air is a runtime environment that allows developers to create desktop applications using Adobe's ActionScript programming language, which is also used in Flash. The main difference between Adobe Air and Flash is the additional libraries available in AIR that enable easier creation of Rich Internet Applications (RIAs). These libraries provide access to various system resources, such as file systems, local storage, and network connections.

One of the key features of Adobe Air is its ability to run on both Windows and Mac OS X platforms. This allows developers to create cross-platform applications that can be easily distributed to a wide range of users. Additionally, Adobe Air supports a variety of file formats, including SWF files (which are used in Flash) as well as other formats like MP3 and JPEG.

Another important feature of Adobe Air is its ability to download and install the Adobe AIR Runtime if it is not already installed on the user's system. This makes it easy for users to run AIR applications without having to manually install the runtime environment.

Benefits of Using Adobe Air

Using Adobe Air can be very useful for developers who want their applications to run only on the desktop, rather than in a web browser. This means that users won't get an 'open this file with...' message when they try to run the application without the AIR runtime installed. Additionally, Adobe Air provides access to various system resources and libraries that are not available in Flash, making it easier to create more complex and powerful applications.

In conclusion, Adobe Air is a powerful tool for developers who want to create desktop applications using ActionScript programming language. Its ability to run on multiple platforms, download and install the runtime environment if needed, and provide access to various system resources make it an attractive option for those looking to create RIAs.

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