Understanding How Adobe AIR Functions

Since its founding in 1982 by John Warnock and Charles Geschke, Adobe Systems has been responsible for creating many of the technologies that power our computers and enable the seamless exchange of information. A prime example is the Portable Document Format (PDF), a widely used compact file format. It's used by businesses for easy document sharing in small file sizes, and almost everyone with a desktop or laptop utilizes PDFs to view images or read documents -- it’s like having an endless photocopier on your computer. Additionally, Adobe has developed key design software like Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop, and Adobe InDesign, which empower both developers and everyday users to create and edit everything from single images to extensive presentations. Imagine a world without Photoshop -- there would be no LOLcats to share, and it would certainly be less fun.

Ultimately, Adobe has revolutionized how we create and manage content, whether on desktops or across the Internet. It’s only natural that the company sought to enhance the connection between the desktop and the web. In early 2008, Adobe launched the first version of Adobe Integrated Runtime (AIR). The company describes it as a "cross-platform runtime allowing developers to combine HTML, Ajax, Adobe Flash, and Flex technologies to deliver rich Internet applications (RIAs) on desktops." Targeting developers, businesses, and general consumers alike, Adobe offers AIR as a free download on their website.

What exactly does Adobe AIR do? What is an RIA? What does this mean for developers creating new applications, and what impact does it have on you, the user sitting in front of your screen?

Applications Powered by Adobe AIR

Before diving into the details of Adobe AIR, it's helpful to grasp a few key concepts and understand what it means to be a "cross-platform runtime" capable of running desktop applications.

At its core, AIR is a runtime engine. A runtime engine is simply software that other applications rely on to function properly; it converts program code into machine language, the basic form of language (composed of 0s and 1s) that the central processing unit (CPU) understands. For example, programs running on Java need the Java Virtual Machine runtime engine to be installed. Without it, your computer couldn't support the same graphical user interface (GUI) you're familiar with today. A GUI, also known as a human-computer interface, is the combination of windows, icons, text, and menus we interact with using a mouse or keyboard. Even your operating system can be thought of as the primary runtime engine since every application depends on the processes of the operating system.

When Adobe refers to AIR as a "cross-operating system runtime," they mean that AIR can operate on any computer, regardless of the operating system. Different operating systems speak different languages; for instance, a program on Mac OSX won’t look the same as it does on Windows XP. Applications created with Adobe software like Flash or Flex will use the AIR runtime to function — thanks to the open-source WebKit HTML renderer that comes with AIR, Web-based content can also be displayed on the desktop. This sets AIR apart from Flash, which runs on the Internet and in browsers, whereas AIR-based apps are desktop-centric and don’t necessarily require a browser to function.

So, what exactly are the RIAs that Adobe AIR helps build? RIA is a term coined by Adobe to describe a Web application that offers an interactive, connected user experience. Typically, they combine the best features of both desktop and Web applications, created using programs like Adobe Flash or Flex. Websites such as Flickr and Google Maps are prime examples of RIAs — sites that offer extensive interaction while still residing on the Internet. RIAs are user-friendly but challenging to create, and many hope Adobe AIR will simplify this development process.

That’s what AIR does for your computer applications, but what does it mean for developers, businesses, and users in general?

Software Powered by Adobe AIR

Generally speaking, almost all of Adobe's products aim to serve three groups: developers, businesses, and end users. Developers utilize tools like Adobe Flash to design an interface or animation; businesses then take that design and incorporate it into a webpage or application; and customers engage with the product in innovative and enjoyable ways. Even the end user is not confined to a passive role. Many people download or install Adobe software like Flash or Photoshop and discover creative ways to use them.

Developers using Adobe Flex, Flash, or other development tools can create applications that are compatible with the AIR runtime. Since AIR supports HTML, XML, and JavaScript, developers don’t have to learn an entirely new programming language. They can continue using familiar code, making the transition from desktop to Web nearly seamless.

Adobe also targets businesses with its AIR platform, offering a way to engage consumers with more appealing and user-friendly applications. If Web users can download a company’s program directly onto their desktop without having to open a browser, they're more likely to keep it running and stay engaged. Several major companies have already adopted Adobe AIR. For instance, the online auction platform eBay features the eBay Desktop application, built on AIR. Instead of constantly logging in to check auction updates, eBay Desktop runs independently and provides real-time updates on the auctions a customer is bidding on.

The general public benefits from the ability to take formerly Web-based applications and install them directly on their desktops. Once Adobe AIR is installed on a user’s computer, they can easily access downloadable, user-friendly applications that cater to their personal interests with just a click.

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