Build and deploy rich web apps on your desktop

Adobe AIR is a runtime system used for web development. The program was created by the development & IT company, Adobe Systems, as a way for advanced users to build both desktop and mobile applications. In this runtime environment, you will be allowed to use Adobe Animate content and ActionScript 3.0 coders as a way to construct your own apps. It can either be an independent application or act similarly to native programs on supported platforms. Adobe AIR makes this possible by offering unrestricted access to local storage and file systems. This is compared with browser-based programs that only provide access to individual files handpicked by users

Getting started on AIR

Adobe AIR is part of the Adobe line of products that share a codebase with the Flash Player rendering engine and ActionScript 3.0. These are its primary programming language, so applications specifically built for AIR will need to use certain features. This includes integrations with the taskbar, file system integration, and native client extensions. To integrate these features, AIR supports eight capabilities so its users can create their app more efficiently. 

Beginning with window manager support; it is system software that’s in charge of the placement and appearance of a window in a windowing system. This will also help you work in conjunction with certain graphics hardware, pointing devices, and a keyboard.  In addition to these, AIR’s native menu bar and file management capabilities will assist you in navigating the program’s graphical user interface. These are key components when you need to add development related files or folders from your PC. 

Creating your own app

Adobe AIR allows you to execute applications through command-line arguments. This will enable the I/O and error stream to send you feedback. Otherwise known as the console application, this is the section of AIR, where it is exclusively text-based. Here you will find the command-line interface and text terminal of your operating system. GUI applications can be fully-functional with just the keyboard and display screen. You can opt to access text from the clipboard, or you can drag and drop it onto the page as well. 

As you create multiple lines of code, the multithreading support will come in handy. It will allow you to manage multiple threads as well as execute an ActionScript 3 in the background. The codes will help you produce HTML web pages that support full CSS and JavaScript alongside any WebKit-based web browser. You can enhance your application by taking advantage of the AIR Native Extensions or ANEs. These are plug-in code libraries that have native code wrapped with ActionScript API. This will enable you to access native features not usable in AIR. 

Programming tool for all user-levels

Adobe AIR is suitable for new and experienced developers as it organizes all its features on an easy-to-follow GUI. In addition, it offers capabilities that are user-friendly such as providing access to the clipboard and drag-and-drop functionality. Experienced users can also benefit from this program as the program allows you to create programs with full CSS and JavaScript, plus the native extensions that are already available in the program.