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Macromedia releasing source to Flash player

Posted by Hemos on from the loook-but-don't-touch dept.

yoz writes "Macromedia says it will release the source code to the Flash player when Flash 4 comes out in June, according to this press release. However, it's unlikely to be an Open Source license. "

1 of 31 comments (clear)

  1. Macromedia's hand is forced by jetson123 · · Score: 5
    On balance, it's probably good that this source is becoming available (although the free Flash player for Linux works quite well already).

    But the motivation for Macromedia is clear: the W3 is developing XML-based graphics standards and executable content in the form of Java (and ActiveX, if you must) also provides better and better graphics (Java 2 has antialiasing, better fonts, and a much better imaging model than earlier versions).

    Macromedia has a big lead and advantage in authoring and server tools for Flash, and the longer they can keep Flash on the web, the more money they will make. When other formats will become more widespread, they will only be one among many vendors, with no particular lead or advantage.

    I hope the release of Flash source won't preempt the adoption of the next generation of graphics formats. The XML-based formats are much easier to use for dynamic generation of graphical content from any scripting language (no need to buy expensive tools from Macromedia), and Java 2, once it is in browsers, will allow much better interactivity.