This tutorial shows how to change the caption for a PDF form element at runtime based on a user's interaction with another form component.
Friday, April 23, 2010
How to add a 2D bar code to your LiveCycle Forms
This video tutorial covers how to add a 2D bar code for capturing and retrieving data from a PDF form. The LiveCycle Designer process shows how to create the bar code and link it to a data set.
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Using LiveCycle ES2 on the Cloud
This video is a complete tutorial on how to get set up and start developing against LiveCycle ES2 running on the Amazon cloud. If you want to get set up, here are the physical links to reproduce this demo:
1. Download and install the LiveCycle ES2 trial. You will need the libraries in the SDK folder to complete this exercise - https://www.adobe.com/products/eula/livecycle/es/trial/
2. Get access to a cloud account via the Adobe Enterprise Developer Program - http://www.adobe.com/devnet/aedp/dev_exp/.
Here is the video tutorial:
LiveCycle Services Discovery Plug-in for Flash Builder 4 is another component you may wish to download. Tutorials on using this will be forthcoming shortly. With this plug-in you can quickly build Flex and AIR applications that invoke a LiveCycle service through remoting endpoints. You must have an installation of Flash Builder 4 before installing the Modeler.
1. Download and install the LiveCycle ES2 trial. You will need the libraries in the SDK folder to complete this exercise - https://www.adobe.com/products/eula/livecycle/es/trial/
2. Get access to a cloud account via the Adobe Enterprise Developer Program - http://www.adobe.com/devnet/aedp/dev_exp/.
Here is the video tutorial:
LiveCycle Services Discovery Plug-in for Flash Builder 4 is another component you may wish to download. Tutorials on using this will be forthcoming shortly. With this plug-in you can quickly build Flex and AIR applications that invoke a LiveCycle service through remoting endpoints. You must have an installation of Flash Builder 4 before installing the Modeler.
Some great LiveCycle ES2 links
As forwarded to me by Shelley Paquette. If you use LiveCycle ES2, this list will be very helpful.
1- Adobe TV: Introduction to LCES2: http://tv.adobe.com/watch/getting-to-know-livecycle-es2/adobe-livecycle-es2-introduction-for-developers/
2- LCES Overview: http://help.adobe.com/en_US/livecycle/9.0/overview.pdf
3- Preparing to Install LCES2: http://help.adobe.com/en_US/livecycle/9.0/prepareinstallsingle.pdf
4- Tutorial on installing the LCES2 Turnkey Solution http://help.adobe.com/en_US/livecycle/9.0/tutorial_turnkey.pdf
5- Installing your LC development environment: http://help.adobe.com/en_US/livecycle/9.0/install_dev_enviro.pdf
6- Creating your first LC application: http://help.adobe.com/en_US/livecycle/9.0/createfirstapp.pdf
7- LCES2 full documentation set: http://help.adobe.com/en_US/livecycle/9.0/lc_doclist.html
1- Adobe TV: Introduction to LCES2: http://tv.adobe.com/watch/getting-to-know-livecycle-es2/adobe-livecycle-es2-introduction-for-developers/
2- LCES Overview: http://help.adobe.com/en_US/livecycle/9.0/overview.pdf
3- Preparing to Install LCES2: http://help.adobe.com/en_US/livecycle/9.0/prepareinstallsingle.pdf
4- Tutorial on installing the LCES2 Turnkey Solution http://help.adobe.com/en_US/livecycle/9.0/tutorial_turnkey.pdf
5- Installing your LC development environment: http://help.adobe.com/en_US/livecycle/9.0/install_dev_enviro.pdf
6- Creating your first LC application: http://help.adobe.com/en_US/livecycle/9.0/createfirstapp.pdf
7- LCES2 full documentation set: http://help.adobe.com/en_US/livecycle/9.0/lc_doclist.html
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Flash on Mobile: An exciting future!
Adobe has been working with engineers at many mobile companies including RIM, Nokia, Sony Ericsson, Google, Palm and more. This is part of the Open Screen Project, something that keeps looking better and better. There are some very cool business drivers behind the genesis of OSP; however the one that most developers will like is the ability to deploy applications to many screens using Flash and AIR.
The Adobe AIR team has already posted some pre-release snapshots of AIR running on Google Android devices here - http://www.adobe.com/devnet/devices/demos/
If you are interested in developing AIR and Flash Applications for the Android operating system, there is a pre-sign up you can access here:
As OSP moves forward, expect to see more news about Flash over multiple screens.
Flash and Standards:
Some people have asked in the past that the Flash file format specification be placed into the hands of a Standards Development Organization (SDO), similar to what has happened with PDF going to ISO. This is something I believe Adobe would do if they could, however in the unique case of SWF and the manner in which it became what it is today, it is unlikely to happen.
A further clarification is also worthy of noting. When people say "make Flash a(n open) standard", they really are speaking of the SWF file format. "Flash" is really an entire platform since it includes development tools, runtime plugins and environments, server side tools, side channel communications methodologies for dynamic bandwidth compensation, several servers (Flash Media Server, BlazeDS for example), binary encodings (AMF) and more. The SWF file format is a standard as it sits today. The SWF file format is published here. AMF is also published as an open specification as reported by Slashdot.
I would assert that the SWF file format is a de facto standard. Adobe cannot change it radically based on the fact they care about their community. Flash has to always be backwards compatible to play older versions. It is a pure illusion that Adobe controls Flash and can do with it what they want. The community would rebel.
I would see that the OSP project becomes a collective where more than just Adobe has input into the future of Flash. It will be good to see Google, RIM, Intel and others working directly with Adobe to build improvements into the SWF specification and beyond.
Mobile also brings some unique challenges for developers. Over the next few months I plan to bring some of these to light on this blog.
The Adobe AIR team has already posted some pre-release snapshots of AIR running on Google Android devices here - http://www.adobe.com/devnet/devices/demos/
If you are interested in developing AIR and Flash Applications for the Android operating system, there is a pre-sign up you can access here:
As OSP moves forward, expect to see more news about Flash over multiple screens.
Flash and Standards:
Some people have asked in the past that the Flash file format specification be placed into the hands of a Standards Development Organization (SDO), similar to what has happened with PDF going to ISO. This is something I believe Adobe would do if they could, however in the unique case of SWF and the manner in which it became what it is today, it is unlikely to happen.
A further clarification is also worthy of noting. When people say "make Flash a(n open) standard", they really are speaking of the SWF file format. "Flash" is really an entire platform since it includes development tools, runtime plugins and environments, server side tools, side channel communications methodologies for dynamic bandwidth compensation, several servers (Flash Media Server, BlazeDS for example), binary encodings (AMF) and more. The SWF file format is a standard as it sits today. The SWF file format is published here. AMF is also published as an open specification as reported by Slashdot.
I would assert that the SWF file format is a de facto standard. Adobe cannot change it radically based on the fact they care about their community. Flash has to always be backwards compatible to play older versions. It is a pure illusion that Adobe controls Flash and can do with it what they want. The community would rebel.
I would see that the OSP project becomes a collective where more than just Adobe has input into the future of Flash. It will be good to see Google, RIM, Intel and others working directly with Adobe to build improvements into the SWF specification and beyond.
Mobile also brings some unique challenges for developers. Over the next few months I plan to bring some of these to light on this blog.
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
My Open Letter to Apple
I am outraged!! I came upon something that absolutely frightens me: Censorship, based on one group's beliefs of what is best for the rest of us. This comes in the form of a statement allegedly made by Apple's founder Steve Jobs. According to several sites, he stated "Folks who want porn can buy an android phone". (read here)
Before I comment on this, there are a few things I want to say. First, I have used Mac computers as my main machines for the last few years and find them generally good machines. I also own an iPhone but recently switched to the Android powered Nexus One. This was not to view porn but because I truly believe the Android devices are going to be the best. I am not one to nitpick and bitch that a new SDK agreement apparently bans Flash development tools for the iPhone. I won't dwell on the fact someone at Apple is also apparently using the company's strength to bully developers into following Apple's business plan blindly. I am focused on the future of our industry, society in general and what I personally believe is best.
So what is happening here????
In my opinion, a line has been crossed. On top of the porn statement above, a ban of a cartoon application based on what a small group of people believe is the moral direction YOU should follow. As reported by top10.com:
"Apple believes that allowing an app which contains images that mock celebrities and politicians to go on sale on the App Store would be in violation of the terms and conditions of the platform.
My own company, Adobe, does not tell me what to think and what to write or not write on this blog. They understand that my thoughts are my own and on blog posts like this I am clearly speaking for myself, not the company. This is why I am proud to work for Adobe.
I am drawing my line in the sand today. Why? Because, if you allow tyranny to breathe and prosper, there will be no one left to hear you when you scream for help. I don't know what their agenda is but these latest moves are completely unacceptable to me. Here is my public letter to Apple:
Dear Apple:
It has been fun, but you are no longer "cool". You have made some great gadgets and computers in the past, but others are open and you are not. While you have brought society some great things like the iPod and iPhone, this was in the past and your current antic of censorship is unacceptable to me. You see, in Canada, we have rights. We have the right to a free and open society. I will not subject myself to censorship. The result of your actions is that I will not develop for your mobile platform, nor support it. I will also be returning to a combination of Ubuntu Linux and Windows 7 for my main work machine. You see, I have the faith that people can decide for themselves what is appropriate for them and what is not. I do not believe that any one group has the right to make decisions on morality for the rest of us. I do not wish to live in such a society.
As far as applications go, you should allow developers to develop with any tools they want and judge all application submissions fairly based on the quality and performance of the applications. These should be done using clearly published rules and be consistently enforced. Would this not achieve the end result of a rich, robust app store filled with quality applications? At any rate, I do not see how it could be worse than having a plethora of fart noise generator applications, of which only 3 really work. Do you really think the quality of applications is based only on what development tools are used? I disagree.
Respect developers! I think it is not too late to change your mantra. I write this letter in an honest appeal that you hear how your actions are being taken. Developers are usually at the top of the technology adoption curve and several developers are beginning to have issues with you. What you really need to hear is that these same developers are the reason for your success. We are the ones who are asked "what computer should we buy" by our family and friends. When you piss off developers, there is a cascade effect that will eventually affect sales.
Respect individual rights! I have never looked at porn on my iPhone, but I don't want someone else deciding what is and what is not appropriate for me. I do not want Apple employees deciding whether or not a public figure can be questioned. Accordingly, my iPhone now rests harmlessly in it's box while my Google Nexus One is being used. I get tons of people asking me about this phone (read here) and I will keep promoting it while making sure my circle of friends understands the censorship and control issues.
It has been nice, but now it is time for me to move on. Ubuntu 10.4 is out and looks pretty damn nice. Microsoft seems to have learned from Vista and Windows 7 appeals. The Google Android phone is already better than the iPhone and I am excited to started developing Android apps. I can use Java, Flash, AJAX and any toolset I want.
I am committed to standards such as Flash, HTML5 and XML. Not gonna look back. PDF, Java, Silverlight, Android, Linux, Flash are all here to stay.
Please consider the reason I am writing this letter. I do believe you are capable of making some great stuff and doing some great things. I want to encourage you to reconsider your recent actions and hear what we, the developers and computer users of the world, are saying.
Respectfully,
Duane Nickull
Before I comment on this, there are a few things I want to say. First, I have used Mac computers as my main machines for the last few years and find them generally good machines. I also own an iPhone but recently switched to the Android powered Nexus One. This was not to view porn but because I truly believe the Android devices are going to be the best. I am not one to nitpick and bitch that a new SDK agreement apparently bans Flash development tools for the iPhone. I won't dwell on the fact someone at Apple is also apparently using the company's strength to bully developers into following Apple's business plan blindly. I am focused on the future of our industry, society in general and what I personally believe is best.
So what is happening here????
In my opinion, a line has been crossed. On top of the porn statement above, a ban of a cartoon application based on what a small group of people believe is the moral direction YOU should follow. As reported by top10.com:
"Apple believes that allowing an app which contains images that mock celebrities and politicians to go on sale on the App Store would be in violation of the terms and conditions of the platform.
Fiore had proposed launching his NewToons app, but was rejected in December for the perceived vulgarity of his work."
UPDATE: An anonymous user below (in comments) suggest that Fiore's application has now been added back to the App Store. I have been unable to actually find it in the App Store however I did find a credible source which states that Apple is going to "Fix the Mistake". http://www.poynter.org/column.asp?id=134&aid=181700
I guess we have to wait and see.END_UPDATE
My own company, Adobe, does not tell me what to think and what to write or not write on this blog. They understand that my thoughts are my own and on blog posts like this I am clearly speaking for myself, not the company. This is why I am proud to work for Adobe.
I am drawing my line in the sand today. Why? Because, if you allow tyranny to breathe and prosper, there will be no one left to hear you when you scream for help. I don't know what their agenda is but these latest moves are completely unacceptable to me. Here is my public letter to Apple:
Dear Apple:
It has been fun, but you are no longer "cool". You have made some great gadgets and computers in the past, but others are open and you are not. While you have brought society some great things like the iPod and iPhone, this was in the past and your current antic of censorship is unacceptable to me. You see, in Canada, we have rights. We have the right to a free and open society. I will not subject myself to censorship. The result of your actions is that I will not develop for your mobile platform, nor support it. I will also be returning to a combination of Ubuntu Linux and Windows 7 for my main work machine. You see, I have the faith that people can decide for themselves what is appropriate for them and what is not. I do not believe that any one group has the right to make decisions on morality for the rest of us. I do not wish to live in such a society.
As far as applications go, you should allow developers to develop with any tools they want and judge all application submissions fairly based on the quality and performance of the applications. These should be done using clearly published rules and be consistently enforced. Would this not achieve the end result of a rich, robust app store filled with quality applications? At any rate, I do not see how it could be worse than having a plethora of fart noise generator applications, of which only 3 really work. Do you really think the quality of applications is based only on what development tools are used? I disagree.
Respect developers! I think it is not too late to change your mantra. I write this letter in an honest appeal that you hear how your actions are being taken. Developers are usually at the top of the technology adoption curve and several developers are beginning to have issues with you. What you really need to hear is that these same developers are the reason for your success. We are the ones who are asked "what computer should we buy" by our family and friends. When you piss off developers, there is a cascade effect that will eventually affect sales.
Respect individual rights! I have never looked at porn on my iPhone, but I don't want someone else deciding what is and what is not appropriate for me. I do not want Apple employees deciding whether or not a public figure can be questioned. Accordingly, my iPhone now rests harmlessly in it's box while my Google Nexus One is being used. I get tons of people asking me about this phone (read here) and I will keep promoting it while making sure my circle of friends understands the censorship and control issues.
It has been nice, but now it is time for me to move on. Ubuntu 10.4 is out and looks pretty damn nice. Microsoft seems to have learned from Vista and Windows 7 appeals. The Google Android phone is already better than the iPhone and I am excited to started developing Android apps. I can use Java, Flash, AJAX and any toolset I want.
I am committed to standards such as Flash, HTML5 and XML. Not gonna look back. PDF, Java, Silverlight, Android, Linux, Flash are all here to stay.
Please consider the reason I am writing this letter. I do believe you are capable of making some great stuff and doing some great things. I want to encourage you to reconsider your recent actions and hear what we, the developers and computer users of the world, are saying.
Respectfully,
Duane Nickull
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