Is there an open source alternative to Flash for web animation?

Question

I want to make something similar to this, but I'd like to avoid proprietary platforms (flash). I'm relatively new to development and I'm willing to learn anything. I understand that some javascript frameworks like jQuery and MooTools are capable of some animation, but is this beyond their capability? What do you recommend?

thanks

Answer 1

You can use FlashDevelop for the IDE

http://osflash.org/flashdevelop

Also, you can use gnash as the player.

http://www.gnu.org/software/gnash/

Answer 2

To replicate the animation you pointed to would be very difficult in JQuery, but not impossible. Question is, are you up for the challenge?

I wouldn't recommend alternatives to Flash unless the app you are building is internal to your company and you can be sure everyone will have the necessary plugins installed.

Answer 3

The more important question is, if you found such a platform would anyone be able to play it with software they already have installed?

Answer 4

Take a look at John Resig's processing.js. No need to use raw jQuery when jQuery's primary author already done the work!

Answer 5

What about Java or JavaFX? I actually don't know a whole lot about it but it's supposed to be for RIAs which puts it into the Flash and Silverlight class of technologies.

Answer 6

Check out Processing.

Also check out the free Flex SDK, which allows you to write and compile Actionscript without the Flash IDE

Answer 7

You could use Moonlight, the open source clone of Silverlight.

Answer 8

I know that SVG is capable of animation, but I don't know how widespread the support is or what tools support it.

Answer 9

From the Java space:

• JavaFX already had 100.000.000 downloads if you're worried about adoption.
• Processing. You'd still have to worry about the download size. IMHO, processing is great for prototypes, but you have to do quite a lot of work to make the applet performant, especially when no animation is going.