[jstea]

There is a trend to promote Flex for web client development.
I am very curious on why choose Flex over Java WebStart/Applet.
Is it because Java WebStart/Applet sounds like grandpa style or
Flex does have its big advantages

So far I did not see many advantages from Flex when comparing
from Java WebStart/Applet
1. Environment requirements
Java needs JRE and Browser
Flex needs FlashPlayer and Browser

2. Both of them can do UI work
Java uses Swing
Flex uses mxml/actionscript
Simpler UI, flex may have its advantage from the simpler programming.
I doubt the advantage can keep for the real rich UI client. It may turn
to that similar complexity level as Java Swing.

3. Both of them need to embed in html for launching in Browser

4. Both of them can run as standalone (AIR versus WebStart)

5. Communicate to server
Java can communicate to server through different protocol as long as it is
signed.
Flex may not need to sign to be able to talk to different server, but it may consider to have potential security issue.
Originally applet doesn't need to sign for talking to different domain, which raises security concerns.

6. Integration with server
If using Java Application Server, Java client definitely has its advantage on integration. Developer can easily to do end-to-end debugging. It makes the debugging much easier.
Flex, I am not sure how to debug it from client to server.


I am not sure how mature of Flex for serious Rich Client Web development and really want to know its advantage from the Rich Client + Java Application Server perspective.

Feed and educate me with your thoughs