Flash
From SiteRay wiki
Flash (or Adobe Flash) is a web technology for displaying interactive animation, video and applications on the web. It is one of the most ubiquitous technologies used on the web.
Contents |
Common uses
- Streaming video. YouTube famously uses Flash to provide streaming video.
- Animation, such as banner advertising.
- Online games or interactive applications.
Note that Flash is not the only means of providing these features on a website, but it is currently among the most common.
Criticism
Used incorrectly Flash can significantly hinder effective Search Engine Optimisation and Accessibility. The effect is especially pronounced on sites which are build exclusively in Flash - these sites are inaccessible to large groups of users and search engines, and exhibit other well documented problems.
In Sitescore
Sitescore tests for the appropriate use of Flash with the Flash usage test.
Further reading
- Adobe Flash player
- Wikipedia: Adobe Flash
- Jacob Nielsen - Flash: 99% Bad (note: most of the criticism here is directed at poor implementation, not Flash itself)
