I needed to create a chart showing our meeting registrations. Previously, I was just listing the numbers. However, the CFC function that provided me the data I was using to just list the numbers was a structure where the keys were the meeting codes and the values for the keys were the number of people registered.

At first I thought I would have to build another CFC function to return a query with a count of each meeting's registrations to use the cfchartseries tag's query attribute. But after thinking and experimenting a bit I figured out a way to use the structure I already had as the basis for the chart.

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When I first started learning Flex 2.0, my main goal was to learn how to use the different controls (DataGrid, TileList, etc.) and how to get dynamic data into my Flex application. Recently, I've begun to learn the many different ways you can style Flex components and containers.

I found a post by Dirk Eisman done in November of 2006 where he provides an ActionScript class that enables you to apply a background color gradient to a Flex container. Dirk provides a demo of using the class and a download. I've experimented with his class to style the background color of a panel and developed my own version of Dirk's example. With Dirk's permission, I've posted my modification of Dirk's example (right click on it to view the source code).

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Today I completed my first 18-mile run for this marathon training cycle. It's been almost a year since my last 18-mile run during my training for the St. Louis marathon.

I did the 18 miles in very tough conditions: 10 degrees wind chill and slushy/icy pavement. But I got the run in at an average pace of 9:51 per mile.

Given the conditions, I'm happy with the time. Two of my fastest miles were the last two miles. I was tired afterwards, but I feel I've recovered well.

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Several months ago I posted a Flex example that used a form to get a user's input. This form did not include any validation of what the user typed in (that wasn't the intent of the example), but just updated the database. You can check out that example here: /brucephillips/flex/cfobject/cfobject.html. Feel free to enter whatever you want for the phone number and this Flex application will update the record.

Recently, I've been doing some Flex intranet work for our company and one of the Flex applications allows staff to update their address, phone number, and email for the staff directory we publish online. Of course, for this application, validating the user's input prior to trying to update the database is important. So based on what I've learned about validating user input in Flex, I thought I post a short beginner's guide.

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Flex 2.01 includes support for modules. Modules can be used to organize your Flex code into separate files. These files are compiled into SWFs and then can be loaded into your main application SWF at runtime. This is my first attempt are using modules and I've posted an example application (right click on the example to view the source files).

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After failing to get the update to install on my work computer, I tried to update my home computer this morning. I downloaded the update for Windows here: http://www.adobe.com/support/flex/downloads_updaters.html. The update ran fine and did not have me restart the computer. When I launch Flex Builder, 2.01 shows up as the version on the splash screen. I'll try my work computer again on Monday.

One thing I did differently for this attempt, was I unchecked the options to install Flash Player 9. I figured I already had Flash Player 9 installed since I was just doing an update of Flex Builder.

UPDATE: JOY, successfully installed the Flex 2.01 update on my home computer. I downloaded the update for Windows here: http://www.adobe.com/support/flex/downloads_updaters.html. The update ran fine and did not have me restart the computer. When I launch Flex Builder, 2.01 shows up as the version on the splash screen. I'll try my work computer again on Monday.

NO JOY in installing the Flex 2.01 update.

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When you use an ArrayCollection or XMLListCollection to provide the data for a Flex Tree control, you can filter the items that are displayed. This example shows one way to filter an ArrayCollection that is used as the data provider for a Tree control. For background, see my previous post about using an ArrayCollection as the data provider for a Tree control and also how to filter an ArrayCollection based on multiple criteria.

View an example Flex application (right click on the application to view the source code). Be patient as it may take 15-20 seconds for the application to load the data. (I'm working on getting the data into Flex faster.)

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