Flex Module for Apache and IIS
From Adobe Labs
NOTE: These modules use Flex 2.0.1. The most up-to-date versions are part of Flex 3 and can be found with the Flex 3 SDK.
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Introduction
The Flex module for Apache and Microsoft IIS provides web-tier compilation of MXML and ActionScript files on Apache and IIS web servers. This module lets you rapidly compile, test and deploy an application by simply requesting the main application file from a web browser, similar to working with server-side scripting languages such as PHP, ColdFusion or JSP.
Note: The Flex Module for Apache and IIS is still in Beta and is subject to change. This is not yet recommended for use in a critical production environment.
You do not need a J2EE application server to use the web-tier compiler. The Flex module for Apache and IIS works with just the web server and a Java runtime environment (JRE).
Note: Applications that require Flex Data Services (FDS) will not run with the Flex module for Apache and IIS.
For complete documentation of the Flex Module for Apache and IIS, see the PDF in the installation folder or download the documentation separately.
Installation
The compiler module requires one of the following web servers:
- Apache 1.x/2.x (Windows, MacOS, or Linux)
- IIS versions 5.1, 6, or 7 (Windows)
Windows Vista prerequisites
If installing the module on Windows Vista and target IIS7 you must take some additional steps before running the installer. This is due to the fact that some required components are not installed by default when enabling IIS 7:
- You must install the ISAPI Filter component for IIS. This can be done from the Control Panel > Programs and Features > Turn Windows features on or off > Internet Information Services > World Wide Web Services > Application Development Features.
- You must install the IIS6 Scripting Tools. These can be added from the Control Panel > Programs and Features > Turn Windows features on or off > Internet Information Services > IIS 6 Management Compatibility.
- You must add a new MIME type mapping in IIS so that it will allow accessing .mxml files. To do so open the IIS manager > Default web site > MIME types > Add
In addition, if you do not have a Flex SDK or JRE, you can download a module that includes the following:
- Flex SDK 2.0.1 or later
- JRE 1.4.2 or later
To install the Flex module:
1. Review the Software License Agreement and download one of the module's ZIP files: If you already have the Flex 2.0.1 or higher SDK installed and a JRE, download the installer that fits your operating system from this list:
If you do not have Flex 2.0.1 SDK or a Java Runtime Environment, download one of the following installers (they bundle the actual module, the Flex 2.0.1 SDK and the Sun 1.5.0.3 JRE). Pick the file that matches your operating system:
If you are running Linux or the installer does not work properly for your particular setup, download the manual install zip file and follow the instructions in the included readme.txt file
Note: You need to have the Flex SDK version 2.0.1 or higher and a Java Runtime Environment already installed when using the manual installation steps
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3. Run the installer. For example, on Windows, execute the FlexMod.exe file.
4. (Windows only) Reboot your machine.
To verify that the compiler module was installed:
1. Start or restart the web server.
2. Copy your MXML file to the web server’s document root. For example, on Apache, the default document root is Apache_install_dir/htdocs. For IIS, it is system_root/inetpub/wwwroot.
3. Request the MXML file in your web browser; for example:
http://localhost/Main.mxml
The module returns a generated wrapper that embeds the SWF file.
If you want to debug the application, add ?debug=true to the URL; for example:
http://localhost/Main.mxml?debug=true
More Information
For complete documentation of the compiler module, see the PDF in the downloaded ZIP file or download the documentation separately.
Post any questions or feedback in the Flex Module for Apache and IIS discussion forum available on Adobe.com.
Limitations
The Flex Module for Apache and IIS is still in Beta phase and it has some known limitations:
- On Linux systems, when compiling certain applications you might get an error about not having a graphical display. This is due to the java compiler being ran by the Apache user which does not have access to the desktop.
- To overcome this add the following line to the flex-config.xml file used by the compiler: <headless-server>true</headless-server>
- This software is still in Beta - You should not use it in a critical production environment.
Release notes
- Added PowerPC support
- Fixed Windows Vista support
- Improved compilation speed by caching the most recent 5 applications
- Fixed JRE 1.4.2 compatibility
- Fixed IIS 6 issue with wrong content-length being sent
- Fixed browser caching when changing files and IE is set to Automatically caching
- Cleaned up what PATH variables were set on Windows
- Minor changes to template
- Added Apache 1.3.7 / Windows support
