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Click to See Complete Forum and Search --> : Adobe wants Flash as open source?

SurfPark
01-06-2006, 05:12 PM
http://it.sys-con.com/read/166087.htm

I'm very confused. Why would they want this file format to become open source? They already allow the SWF file specifications to be used by programmers to create their own SWF-friendly apps. Now they want to open source the .FLA format as well? Its not bad for the community, but I always question corporate motives. Adobe swallows Macromedia only to give things away? Sure, open source development helps programs a lot, but I'm shocked that they're going to let their competitiors create programs that create flash presentations.

Heck, they're aiming to make Flash a platform and not an application. Like Java Runtime Enviroment or DivX codec...Flash won't be an application, but rather a floating, invisible thing loaded on everyone's computer. What do you think of all of this?
idaho
01-06-2006, 05:42 PM
By making it open source it allows for more innovation from third parties. I think it is a good move on Adobe's part.
kerrysmagicshirt
01-07-2006, 01:37 PM
I can't read the article because of a really annoying pop up - despite my popup blocker!!!!!

i'm not sure what open source is and wouldn't mind a little enlightenment
Patrick Shannon
01-08-2006, 08:45 AM
Basically it means that the source code is available for anyone to take a look at and poke around with.

When people think open source, they think a lot about Linux. And because it's open source, there are many different groups that tinker around with it and put out their own distributions....so long as they make the source code public. I believe that's how it works. What's particularly good about this is that if a huge bug/vulnerability/etc is found, it can be fixed/patched up quickly. Unlike a close-system like Microsoft Windows, where you're at MS's mercy to release a patch.

My only concern about Flash going open source is if people start going in different directions with it and each innovation requires a completely new download of the plug-in to work. Sorta like how there are different flavors/spin-offs of MPEG 4 (like DivX, 3ivX) and how you need different codecs to watch differently encoded content.