Flash Files Association

Here is a list of some common file types related to flash that you may want to get familiar with:

Flash Authoring (FLA) File - primary file you work with in Flash that contains your media and ActionScript codes.
ShockWave Flash (SWF) File - compiled FLA file called Flash Movie that may be an object of a web page or played in a Flash Player.
Projector (EXE) File - self-executing SWF File (does not require Flash Player since it's an executable file)
Flash Project (FLP) File - XML file that allows the user to group related files together to assist in organization, compilation, & build.
Flash Video (FLV) File - video files created by Adobe Flash, ffmpeg, Sorenson Squeeze, or On2 Flix.
ActionScript (AS) File - external files that can be imported into your FLA file. They are used for organizing your codes.
ShockWave Debug (SWD) File - only temporary files that can be used for debugging your FLA files.

In the diagram you can see the common file types that can be created with Adobe Flash CS3 such as FLA, FLP, AS, and JSFL file types. Basically, you will be dealing with the FLA file type which will contain all the media like images & sounds, and imported ActionScript (for advanced programmers) code. FLA files will eventually be compiled into Flash Movies (SWF) which is composed of a set of bytecodes that can be executed and run with a Flash Player (like a JVM executing a .java bytecode file) or can be embedded within web pages. To get the latest flash player from Adobe click link Flash Player. A Flash Project File or FLP file is not necessary for compilation. It is only a simple XML file with a function of helping you organize your project files if you deal with alot of files.

Play flash content in the following ways:

1. In Internet browsers that are equipped with Flash Player
2. Flash Xtra in Director® and Authorware® from Adobe
3. Flash ActiveX control in Microsoft Office
4. As part of a QuickTime Video
5. As a stand-alone application called a projector

See next post: Oops. Dead End. Sorry site still under construction, try visiting the other links though if you feel like an advanced flasher.