Can I create a simple database with Flash without haveing to have access or my sql installed on a client comp?

Question

What I am trying to do is create a .swf file that a person can download and open on their computer. Using Explorer or Netscape Navigator/FireFox, whatever have the .swf displayed and allow the user to create some kind of simple database to store locations to pictures etc. So the user pushes a button and it contacts a database of files and allows the user to select a file. I have been looking around and I see things on how to do it with asp scripts to talk to Access. I however would rather not assume the user has any special things, (Access, MySQL, etc.), beyond the usual browser. Can I do this? Just create some file so that it can store information in it for retrieval and editing?

Please help with any advice,

Thanks,

Brian

Answer 1

This is going to me way more trouble than it is worth. Anything using flash will basically require having your customers install a web server on their machines (there are tools like XAMPP which can help do this, but it is overkill for what you want to do.)

If you want to use flash, just pay for web hosting somewhere and give people accounts.

You can't connect to local databases (or files) without some intermediate program.

If you're looking to bundle a database with your program you can use sqlite and develop in VB or some other application.

Answer 2

Depends. It is possible to access SQL from one machine to another depending on how SQL (particularly the db users) and your firewall are configured. However, there will be a speed bottleneck if the database is being hit frequently, is transferring lots of information or if the connection between machines is slow. If this is a web app then its preferable to have SQL installed on the machine running the app. If expense is an issue then you might want to look at mySQL as a possible alternative.

Answer 3

Hi there.

With Flash you can design a Front-End Application. but not the database itself. The database must be in Access, MySQL or another database application software. Than you have to put both programs "talking to one another". You can use asp language, php, coldfusion (macromedia family), etc. It's not that easy, even for small purposes.