Webmaster Forum / Flash / Data Integration / September 2005

Hello Mark,

a brief overview would be something like this (mainly quoting the documents I
will specify later):

Both DataSet and DataHolder components are part of the Data Integration
architecture in Flash (Professional only).

DataHolder - a simplified version of the DataSet component. It's main purpose
is to hold data and act as a connector between other components using data
binding. When initialized, it has a single property called data.

DataSet - a much more robust and complex component. It is one of the essencial
parts of the Flash data management concept. You will use a DataSet when
connecting to external data sources. It works with the dataProvider interface
(a representation of the data stored inside a DataSet) and it can generate
deltaPackets (needed for communication with external data sources through an
XMLConnector or Resolvers). Also, sorting, searching, etc. is much easier with
a DataSet because of its already built in methods and properties.

In very simple terms - you can live without DataHolders, but you need DataSets.

Now the references:

- Using Flash - should be part of your Help in Flash. Also available as a .pdf
file at http://www.macromedia.com/devnet/flash/articles/flashpro_asp.html,
gives a very good introduction to DataBinding and usage of the appropriate
components.

- Flash Developers Center - see the Data Integration link, there are many
tutorials and articles on the topic.

If you have any questions, let us know...

Good luck,

Simon.

Thanks for the explanation, that's what I was looking for.