Features for Ajax development

Ajax framework support

Most major frameworks can be used to build Adobe® AIR™ applications. Supported frameworks include jQuery, Dojo, Ext JS, and Spry. Developers can move some applications from browser to desktop without any code changes. For some frameworks, code changes are required only to enable desktop APIs.

WebKit HTML engine

The WebKit HTML engine provides support for HTML, JavaScript, CSS, XSLT, XHTML, and so on. This is the same open source project used by Apple to build the full-featured Safari browser.

Browser code reuse

HTML, JavaScript, Flex code, and ActionScript™ can be reused between browser web applications and desktop applications deployed on Adobe AIR.

Improved application performance

All application files are installed locally, eliminating the need to make server round trips and increasing application response time.

Local embedded database

Adobe AIR provides synchronous and asynchronous APIs for managing structured data within a local database. This database is implemented using the open source SQLite database, which supports ACID transactions and large databases.

Local file system access

Adobe AIR applications can read and write any local file. (Operating system security restrictions apply.) Files can be of any size or content supported by the underlying operating system. Adobe AIR provides operating system-independent mechanisms for referencing these files.

Browser and operating system independence

The WebKit and Adobe Flash® engines and local embedded database are managed independently of the operating system and any web browser.

Dreamweaver CS3 integration

With the Adobe AIR extension for Dreamweaver® CS3, HTML-based applications and content can be built and deployed to the desktop as easily as they are deployed to the browser. Existing websites made with Adobe Dreamweaver CS3 software can be packaged and delivered as an AIR application in a matter of minutes. The Adobe AIR extension provides testing and packaging of AIR applications.

Aptana integration

The Adobe AIR extension for Aptana allows applications to be built using Ajax and deployed to the desktop as easily as they are deployed to the browser. Existing Ajax applications can be packaged and delivered as an AIR application in a matter of minutes.

Enhanced HTML security

The WebKit engine has been updated to provide additional security for HTML applications on the desktop. These enhancements reduce the potential exposure that applications might have to common web vulnerabilities such as cross-site scripting and code injection.

Network detection for online/offline operation

Adobe AIR allows applications to detect when they are connected to or disconnected from a network. The AIR SDK provides a framework to check for availability of a server.

Custom window chrome

Adobe AIR applications can run without any window chrome or with custom chrome, enabling fully branded applications. They can also be partially or completely transparent. Transparent applications can receive mouse and other events for areas that are transparent or allow those events to pass through to other applications or the operating system.