Tip #4699 - The Difference Between Flash and Shockwave
Printer Friendly Version | E-Mail This Tip
The
Difference Between Flash and Shockwave
You've probably
heard of both Flash and Shockwave, but do you know the difference
between them? Well, that's what I'm here to take care of today. Let's
get started!
Flash and Shockwave
allow Web sites to deliver the most engaging, compelling and interesting
entertainment content on the Web. The Web utilizes technologies like
Flash and Shockwave to enhance the entertainment experience you get
when you use the Internet. There are certain Web sites that require
either Shockwave or Flash to be installed in order to view their content.
For example, many sites require Shockwave to be able to play free
slot games, etc.
As you may be
too, I have always been confused about the difference between Flash
and Shockwave. I mean, they both:
1.) Are technologies
developed by Macromedia, Inc.
2.) Are plug-ins
for Web browsers.
3.) Make use of
ActiveX in Web browsers.
4.) Enable Web
pages to include multimedia objects, such as graphics, video and animations.
However, when
I thoroughly researched both of them, I found quite a few differences.
Most of them are minor, but I never knew about them, so I figured
we could sort them out together. Let's go!
Macromedia
Flash
1.) Macromedia
Flash is widely spread, as many Web sites require Flash to be pre-installed.
It allows designers to combine text, graphics, video and sound to
create dynamic and immersive applications in a variety of fields,
including interactive Web content and games.
2.) Flash loads
comparatively faster than Shockwave.
3.) Flash allows
designers and developers to integrate video, text, audio and graphics
into their interactive presentations.
4.) Flash is also
much cheaper than Shockwave, as it costs approximately $400.
5.) Flash works
in the .SWF Flash format and it is part of the "SIMPLE"
Scripting Level.
Macromedia
Shockwave
1.) Macromedia
claims that over 200 million Web users have installed the Macromedia
Shockwave player. Some of the features supported by Shockwave are
3D games, product demos and online learning applications.
2.) Shockwave
is mostly used for online games and areas that require programming
(as opposed to simple video clips or animations). It has the ability
to move objects around as well.
3.) Shockwave
has a special built in feature where it can integrate Flash into its
own format (Flash cannot do that with Shockwave).
4.) Shockwave
can only be created using the Macromedia Director and it is part of
the Advanced Scripting Language. Shockwave requires technical expertise
as well.
5.) Shockwave
is much more expensive than Flash, as it costs more than $1,000.
6.) Shockwave
works in the .DCR Shockwave format, which is one that is much harder
to decode/modify.
There you have
it! Now you know all there is to know about Flash and Shockwave. Don't
you feel special?!
~ Chetan P.
Want To Comment On This Tip? Click Here! We'd love to hear from you :-)
Like These Tips? Get 'Em Free In Your E-mail
