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Adobe Flash Builder for PHP

Adobe Flash Builder 4.5.1 for PHP: Frequently Asked Questions


Q: What is Adobe Flash Builder for PHP?


Adobe Flash Builder for PHP is an Integrated Development Environment (IDE) for developing, debugging, deploying and managing applications using PHP as a back-end technology and the Flex framework for a rich user interface. It is comprised of Adobe Flash Builder 4.5.1, Zend Studio 8.0.1, and an integration layer between them to provide a seamless user interface. It comes in both Standard and Premium editions.

Q: Does Flash Builder for PHP really allow me to build apps that run on my iPhone/iPod/iPad?


Yes! Flash Builder for PHP will cross-compile your Flex code to run natively on iOS devices, and is fully compliant with Apple App Store guidelines.

Q: How can I buy Flash Builder for PHP?


You can purchase Flash Builder for PHP either through our online store or by contacting Zend sales.

Q: Does Flash Builder for PHP include software updates?


Yes, free minor upgrades are included. Major new versions are not included, but can be purchased at a discounted price for users of previous versions.

Q: Do I need separate licenses for the Flash Builder and Zend Studio components of Flash Builder for PHP?


No, Flash Builder for PHP only requires a single license to active the entire product. Note that license keys for standalone Zend Studio or non-PHP editions of Flash Builder will not work in Flash Builder for PHP.

Q: Can I upgrade from Zend Studio to Flash Builder for PHP?


Absolutely! Users upgrading from Zend Studio receive discounted pricing on Flash Builder for PHP, as well; to receive this pricing you must purchase through Zend. After upgrade, you still retain the perpetual license for your standalone copy of Zend Studio.

Q: Can I upgrade from previous Flash Builder/Flex Builder versions to Flash Builder for PHP?


Absolutely! Users upgrading from Flash Builder or Flex Builder also receive discounted pricing on Flash Builder for PHP. To receive this pricing, you must purchase through Adobe if you do not also have Zend Studio; if you have both Zend Studio and a previous version of Flash Builder/Flex Builder you must purchase upgrades through Zend to receive the full discount.

Q: Is there a version of Adobe Creative Suite that bundles Flash Builder for PHP?


No, but Creative Suite users may purchase a license for Flash Builder for PHP at a discounted price. To receive this pricing, you must purchase through Adobe if you do not also have Zend Studio; if you have both Zend Studio and Creative Suite you must purchase upgrades through Zend to receive the full discount.

Q: Can the trial version of Flash Builder for PHP be installed on the same machine as Adobe Creative Suite?


Yes, but because Creative Suite includes its own copy of Flash Builder, a special license key is required to enable the Flash Builder for PHP trial. Please see these instructions on obtaining and installing a temporary key for Flash Builder for PHP.

Q: What languages are supported by Flash Builder for PHP?


English only.

Q: What platforms are supported by Flash Builder for PHP?


The product can be installed on both Windows and MacOS. (Sorry, no Linux.)

Q: Will Flash Builder for PHP work with the IBM i platform?


Yes! The Zend Studio component of Flash Builder for PHP includes all the benefits for IBM i developers that are included in Zend Studio for IBM i (no IBM i specific version of Flash Builder for PHP is needed).

Q: Where can I find training on Flex and building Flash applications?


Please visit Adobe's training center.


Questions about Zend Server and the PHP runtime


Q: What is a PHP runtime and why do I need one?

The PHP runtime is the component of your web server that interprets and executes PHP scripts. While using one is not technically required to write PHP code, without it you won't be able to run, test, debug, or profile PHP code that you write. The PHP runtime is not included with Flash Builder for PHP; you need to use Zend Server or configure your web server to act as a PHP runtime.


Q: Does Flash Builder for PHP require using Zend Server?

No, you can use any PHP runtime environment with Flash Builder for PHP. But using Zend Server (or Zend Server Community Edition) provides you with an easy-to-use PHP runtime environment that has the Zend Debugger and Zend Framework built-in, both which are needed to take full advantage of Flash Builder for PHP. Flash Builder for PHP also auto-detects the presence of Zend Server, so no further server configuration is required from within the IDE.


Q: Can I try out Zend Server for free?

Yes, you can get a free 30 day trial license to fully use Zend Server.
Download now »


Q: Is there a free version of Zend Server?

Zend Server Community Edition (CE) is a completely free fast and reliable PHP stack. It does not have monitoring, root cause analysis, and other key features in Zend Server, but it does provide improved performance and a certified PHP build that includes the Zend Debugger and Zend Framework.
Learn more »


Q: What is the Zend Debugger and why do I need it?

The Zend Debugger is a PHP extension that needs to be installed in your PHP runtime in order to debug and profile code through Flash Builder for PHP. It is included in Zend Server and Zend Server CE; if using a different PHP runtime, you should download and install it separately.


Q: If I'm not using Zend Server or Zend Server Community Edition, how do I install the standalone Zend Debugger in my web server?

The software (Studio Web Debugger) can be downloaded from the Zend Studio downloads page.
The installation instructions can be found in this document.


Q: What is Zend Framework and why do I need it?

Zend Framework is a popular open-source PHP framework that includes many components useful for writing high-quality PHP applications. It needs to be installed in your PHP runtime in order to enable dynamic class loading in the gateway script that translates between PHP and ActionScript objects. Zend Framework is included in Zend Server and Zend Server CE; if using a different PHP runtime, you should download and install it separately.

Note that Zend Framework is included in Flash Builder for PHP for development purposes, but it is also needed on the server side for runtime purposes.


Q: If I'm not using Zend Server or Zend Server Community Edition, how do I install Zend Framework?

Zend Framework can be downloaded from the official Zend Framework downloads page.


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Customer Quote

   Since we started using Flash Builder 4.5 for PHP beta we have saved easily hundreds of hours of work. Flash Builder 4.5 for PHP is exactly the tool we needed to get the job done.    

Arturo AlvaradoChief Technology Officer, SoftSmart Corp


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