Choosing Between Ajax and Flash

Web 2.0 describes a new approach to creating and structuring Web applications. One of the aims is to increase responsiveness so that Web applications operate in a similar manner to their desktop cousins. Two of the approaches to creating Web 2.0 applications include Ajax and Flash/Flex.

In this article, I want to compare and contrast these two approaches. I will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each approach and show you what to consider when choosing between the two. I’ll finish by introducing a process that might help you to make your decision!

This article isn’t trying to explore which is the BETTER of the two approaches. Both have their merits and uses. Instead, I’m trying to help you decide whether Ajax or Flash/Flex will suit you better, given the circumstances of your Web application.

Don’t forget that an alternative to using either Ajax or Flash/Flex is to stick with a Web 1.0 approach using XHTML and CSS. If you don’t need to create a complex interface, you’re not loading large amounts of external data and you don’t have a requirement to include multimedia, a simple XHTML interface may suffice. Creating a Web 1.0 application that adheres to Web standards can make it easier to distribute the application to a range of browsers and operating systems. It can also improve accessibility for people with disabilities.

I want to start by looking at Ajax and examining its advantages and disadvantages.