Doing Web 2.0 research. Can Flex do this?

[Joey-ATL]

Before we decide on Flex 3 our team has a couple of questions.

1) Can Flex pull in files for certain sections much like an "include" works?
For instance, we may want a file just for the header/footer/search form, etc.
And for a certain client we may modify these files upon their request.

2) If that include file is change/updated will the Flex application pick up
the changes the next time that page is loaded or are there caching issues?



3)

[cartman1138]

Keep in mind that the result of Flex is a Flash movie. You can make separate
components for headers and footers, but they will be compiled in to the movie.
You can keep the header/footer components separate and load them at run time,
but they are compiled. Think of Flex as an easily distributed app not a
different way to make web pages. Another thing to consider keeping the
header/footer outside Flex entirely. You can make a static page with all the
"window dressing" wrapped around the app.

[Masamune]

One option would be to use a module for your header and footer. There are no
caching issues with modules in my experience. You could also use a separate swf
and load it at runtime for your header. The module approach will generally give
you smaller file sizes and thus faster loading. You have quite a few options in
Flex for creating superior user experiences.

Vygo