user-changeable Flash Web Site ?

[jamesjh]

I've started doing websites in Flash, which I prefer over html due to the freedom that Flash gives me to design whatever I want. Most html sites look boring, whereas Flash sites can look great!

Problem: I've had clients come to me and ask for a site where they can update some of the content themselves.

Is this possible? How can I provide that? Is that strictly an html thing?

All help much appreciated as usual.

www.bluebuddhadesign.co.uk

[jamiemac2005]

Hey, i love full flash sites myself. Not because HTML is boring(it can be just as good[better], it just takes the right amount of experience and work) but because of the flexibility.

I've done what you want to do. Basically you'd have to use PHP(or another server-side language) and the loadvars function in flash(or its newer relatives). It would be worthless me re-iterating what i've learned here when i can direct you to where i learned it from... Go To And Learn is a brilliant free video flash tutes site. The one you want to look at is entitled "PHP, MySQL and Flash"... I also advise you take a look around the rest of the tutorials if you get a spare moment because they are brilliant.

Cheers,
Jamey

[jamesjh]

Thank you Jamie!

I just watched the tutorial. I'm now thinking "ok so how do I apply that knowledge to something I need to do", such as allowing the client to change a block of text on their site, change an image, or add a product. Do they need to use mySQL?

Isn't the use of mySQL and php just an easier way for the web designer to change the content inside a Flash movie without having to go in there and look around?

Sorry if that's a dumb question.

[jamiemac2005]

Haha, basically, the way to do it is to have...

...One section where they can input new content in text/HTML/SWF form, which:
- Asks them to log in
- (optional), views a list of content in the MySQL database[to allow them to edit it]
- Takes their input
- Parses out hacking attempts
- Saves their input into the MySQL database.

...And One section which outputs the content (acts as a holder), which:
- Gets entries from the MySQL DB
- Parses them(outputs HTML/SWF/Text)
- Prints them on the screen in an order(//changes dynamic text field to hold them items)

I don't have too much time right now but i'll give you a decent coded example when i get back online later.

In the mean time google "Flash CMS"(Content Management System).
Or look at something like:
- This tute.

Cheers,
Jamey

p.s. for more info on PHP check out http://www.w3schools.com

[jamesjh]

That is exactly what I need.

Only thing is.......IT'S IN AS2.0! Aaaaargh!

Any ideas where I can get this info for as3.0?

Cheers!

[jamesjh]

It's ok I found:

www.developphp.com

Which has EVERYTHING I need.

Thanks for your help again, Jamie.

Cheers

James.

[jamiemac2005]

Hah that's okay =] glad to help. Luck with the coding =]

Cheers,
Jamey