I'm currently looking into developing Facebook applications and was planning on using Flash as the basis of my application, I have test built some simple PHP Facebook applications and I know enough about action-script 3 to start me on my way, but the API for Facebook development in AS looks far more tedious than the PHP one.
my question is would I be able to create interactive graphics (games) like we see across the web in the HTML5 canvas class? and which would be simpler?
Depends on what you would want to do. I don't agree with the person who said HTML5 does not exist yet. Technically IE doesn't support it yet, but there are workarounds for that.
There are already a lot of applications/games built using HTML5 which are live.
HTML5 does not support Audio/video capture yet. So, if you think that you won't be needing that, you can go with HTML5. I'm sure there are other advantages and disadvantages on both sides.
Also, HTML5 is free so...
Apple on the other hand has issues with Adobe, and they don't support Flash in iphone/ipad. So, depending on who wins that battle, things will be a lot different.
Hope that helps, -Roozbeh
I looked at this case lately as well,
Current standards suggest, like Steve Job's vision.
Adobe Flash is starting to show it's age.
Reasons:
Boost of the mobile market, more people viewing website content on mobile devices and tablets.
HTML5 JavaScript and WebGL seems to be the way of the future. Here are some of the facts.
WebGL has really taken off in recent years. with a massive extension to application support.
e.g. Unity 3d, IOS, Android OS and all the major web browser markets.
JavaScript, is making some massive strides though-out the web community and even expending into the desktop market with products like Google's Chrome OS.
HTML 5 can cater for video content playing on all browsers and other awesome elements.
From a network support stand point.
Adobe has always been under fire for security risks that can cause issues with windows and other OS devices.
With these points in mind,
If a client doesn't specifically express they need to use Adobe Flash, I will opt for HTML5/JavaScript and WebGL over Adobe Flash, mainly to extend accessibility of the application.
Personally, I get so sick of updating flash players on the clients side. This can be really frustrating when a client is trying to access your content.
Hope this helps others in their choose on "too Flash or not too Flash" your application.
There're always two sides... On the one hand HTML5 is faster and (isn't going to) require any additional plugins. But it looks like that HTML5 isn't going to be fully implemented earlier than in 2018 to 2020. Until then you have to use other plugins or addins...
As for Flash...It's for now nearly the best practice you can use for RIAs. You can implement 3d, video, MP3s and so on and so on. So I would say Flash is the best technology at this moment. But it's on you to decide xD
P.S. Look at all this facebook apps... only flash...