matbury.com

By Matt 　http://blog.matbury.com/2011/10/01/thoughts-on-flash/

OK, here’s a geeky rant. I’ve heard and read the same unfounded rumours, hearsay and conjecture about Flash so many times it’s starting to sound like urban myths. Let’s put this on the record for once and for all. So, here goes… (deep breath)…

Flash is as secure as any other web technology

In his open letter in April 2010, Steve Jobs wrote, “Symantec recently highlighted Flash for having one of the worst security records in 2009. ” In Symantec’s annual security reports, security risks from Flash are a long way below other web technologies like Active-X, Java, Adobe Reader and Quicktime. Yes, you read that right, Adobe Flash Player is more secure than Apple’s Quicktime and Mr. Jobs remarks were misleading to say the least. Check the 2009 Symantec report out for yourself. The latest reports are available here.

Flash doesn’t use any more memory than any other web technology

Memory hog? Why not run your own comparison to find out. Here’s a direct link to the high resolution version of a video from TED Talks:

http://video.ted.com/talk/podcast/2011G/None/BenGoldacre_2011G-480p.mp4

If you click on this, it should play directly in your browser either as native video playback or with a browser plugin such as Apple’s Quicktime. When it starts playing, press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to start Windows Task Manager and select the Performance tab (Check your documentation for how to do this with a Mac). You’ll see some live graphs of CPU and memory usage. Make a note of their averages.

Now try watching the exact same video in Flash and watch your CPU and memory performance. Results will vary depending on your operating system, hardware and browser:

Flash is as stable as any other web technology

In an emotional outburst at a public meeting in February 2010, Steve Jobs claimed that, “Apple does not support Flash because it is so buggy. Whenever a Mac crashes more often than not it’s because of Flash.” In response, Shantanu Narayen, Adobe’s CEO, gave an interview with Alan Murray for the Wall Street Journal.

Flash will run on Unix-like OS’ (Linux, OpenBSD, iOS, OS X)

Flash happily runs on over 95% of computers and devices connected to the internet, probably including your set-top box. That’s a conservative estimate based on median values of operating system market share – Adobe claims 99%. The only reason that Flash isn’t allowed on iPhone or iPad is because of Apple’s business strategies. The ability to access Flash rich internet applications (RIAs) would reduce iTunes’ app store profits because developers and content distributors would be able to avoid paying Apple’s 30% commission on everything that passes through them. Apple are currently facing anti-trust investigations on both sides of the Atlantic because of this. Brian Chen wrote an astute opinion article for Wired Magazine in November 2008.

Flash and Actionscript are open source, not proprietary

For those who are open source, open format advocates, I salute you and keep up the good work, you make the web a better place for everyone. I develop and distribute open source projects (Actionscript and PHP) myself. Flash and Actionscript are open source. Adobe distribute a free SDK and anyone can create Flash extensions for modular IDEs or even create their own Flash IDEs. Flash Builder/Flex is built on Eclipse. Anyone can build a Flash runtime into their browser. Microsoft, Apple, Google and Firefox choose not to and instead rely on Adobe to maintain and distribute the plugin. Here’s an article from Adobe’s founders on their open web philosophy.

Flash works on touchscreens without any modification

If you still have any doubts, here’s an old demo video of unmodified Flash apps on a touch screen made by Lee Brimelow when this rumour first circulated in May 2010. There are more videos and articles on Flash and using all the latest features of  touchscreens and motion detectors on his blog.

HTML5 isn’t going to kill Flash

They get along fine. There’s no ill-will between them. They’re complimentary web technologies and it’s up to developers to make well-informed decisions about which is more appropriate for a particular instance. In my opinion, there are many things that HTML5 should do instead of Flash, where Flash has been “filling in” while HTML technology caught up. Flash and HTML5, while there is some overlap, essentially do different things. One pundit commented that using HTML5 to replace Flash is like taking a time-machine that takes you back to the year 2000 (I wish I could find the source of that quote!).

Flash works with, not against Javascript

Again, Flash and Javascript are complimentary technologies. SCORM packages require a Javscript API wrapper to communicate with the LMS on the server, and FlowPlayer and JW Player, the most commonly used media players on the web, both have extensive Javascript APIs. Flash and Javascript are harmonious and at one with each other.

Flash doesn’t leave your toilet seat up

It’s respectful, considerate and understands how that can make some people feel.

Flash doesn’t sleep with your girlfriend/boyfriend/wife/husband/partner

Adobe Flash, that is. I can’t speak for any 3rd parties who call themselves “Flash”.

Flash hasn’t got cooties

Although a lot of girls use Flash eCards to spread them, which is much worse than any virus.

And finally…

Please don’t rely on Apple or Apple fans for information or news about Flash. It’s a bit like relying on Fox News (News International) for news about the Democratic party in the US. The following is an entertaining TED Talk about why it’s important to challenge improperly presented arguments or evidence: Ben Goldacre: Battling Bad Science. Ben Goldacre also writes a regular blog for the UK’s Guardian newspaper.

There, I’ve said it.

News

Steve Jobs has just died (5/10/2011) aged 56. He was a great man, a great innovator and will be greatly missed.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/2011/oct/06/steve-jobs-apple-cofounder-dies