Envy is oppressive for some, a need for others. Simply questioning change tells you a lot. Adobe Flash's destiny comes quickly on the horizon. This technology was initially so prized by all is now out of breath. Are we witnessing the end of the flash?
When it comes to the internet and new technologies, rumors are always dramatic and each new assumption about the survival of a particular process sound more fatal than the last. Should we give in to panic? Let's be careful and let us ask the right questions before deciding.
Outdated technology?
The prudent assumption sees the increasingly frequent use of HTML5 and CSS3 as a hurdle for Flash. The online magazine, Wired, is decisive and wishes her death, going as far as to encourage its readers to disable the option on their browser to read it. The experts agree: Flash provides access to a variety of tools to create a visually appealing website for visitors. This "attraction" which was yet to be an advantage has gradually turned into a thorn. The abuse of animations and content by some designers -it does not help that they are, mostly, non-professional - adds heaviness when visiting sites. The frantic pace of our society does not allow the time, people want to access content quickly. The nails are constantly added to the Flash's coffin. While searching for information and using mobile applications increase, it is impossible to consult a site in Flash on a mobile device. Ask any Apple customer. The Adobe technology is useless on the iPad, iPhone or Mac. The problems are multiplying, and Apple had decided long ago to dissociate, rather than conform. Let us remember the open letter from Steve Jobs. It raises concerns about the use of Flash that are shared and raised by many experts and users.
Many have criticized Flash on the grounds of security. Symantec, a company that specializes in computer security software, has repeatedly stressed the vulnerability of this technology. In July 2015, Adobe faced a new problem concerning its Flash Player. The Italian computer security firm, Hacking Team, suffered a major breach that exposed its data. Among these data, a code for a problem of Flash Player. Adobe has quickly became aware of this vulnerability and tried to handle the situation. This breach within Hacking Team revealed some of Adobe's weaknesses. This example is only one among many others. Apple, designers and users have decided to leave out such a vulnerable technology. In addition to security issues, it should be noted that Flash also thrashes the life of the battery. As mobile devices need to be efficient at all times, decryption of Flash sites require too much processing power.
Another major element criticized Flash technology is that it is not an "open source" application. That is why professionals prefer to use technologies like HTML5, CSS3 and JavaScript, which are fully open to developers. Considering all this, is it appropriate to use such technology? What can it bring to web developers?
One last chance for Flash?
In his article The Gradual Disappearance of Flash Websites published by Smashing Magazine, designer Brad Cooper testifies that despite the resurgence of JavaScript and the emergence of HTML5 and CSS3, Flash can still earn a spot among its competitors. How is this possible? Cooper says it should instead focus on using all possible technologies rather than debating on the recommendation of one technology over another. It would, he said, possibly unite different platforms. Before the arrival of HTML5, Flash was the only technology to allow video viewing. However, what are the advantages of using Flash today? Cooper says that the web would not be what it is today without Adobe technology and can only be agreed. Flash allows you to create rich interactions and simple or complex animations. Working in the areas of research and internet marketing for several years, the founder of Hochman Consultants, Jonathan Hochman, offers some tips to promote sites SEO in Flash. Among them, he suggests to convert HTML code in Flash to address the lack of text from images. To read the full article, follow this link: Hochman Consultants
Give up or try?
If you opt for a fully or partially Flash site, you must ensure that you take into consideration the users on mobile devices that do not have access. We must not neglect this aspect, as we recall, the mobile devices are the most used now. It will also optimize your website for search engines. We must therefore think about what you want to create. Think about how you want the user to interact with your site. A website promoting a movie or a video game will not appeal to the same technologies that online store or corporate site. We think Flash has simply become a tool that is reserved for a niche market.
