FlashDevelop

What FlashDevelop is

FlashDevelop is a free, open-source desktop code editor from the FlashDevelop project, founded in 2005 and maintained by community contributors. It supports ActionScript 2 and 3, Haxe, and web work. Code assistance includes completion and generation for getters, setters, event handlers, delegates, and documentation. Project tools compile ActionScript, Haxe, Flex, AIR, and generic projects, with templates and one-click compile and test. A built-in debugger provides breakpoints, code stepping, local-value inspection, and call-stack inspection. FlashDevelop can examine compiled SWF and SWC files, showing their classes and assets and allowing project library references. Web editing covers HTML, CSS, JavaScript, PHP, and XML, with HTML zen-coding and source-control connections for SVN, Git, and Mercurial. Third-party extensions are supported, including custom plugins written in C#. The latest stable download bundles ActionScript and Haxe toolchains, while the downloads page lists MTASC, Haxe, Flex SDK, and AIR SDK integration. FlashDevelop is a Windows application requiring .NET Framework; the project also describes Mac OS X and Linux use through virtualization software or Wine/CrossOver, with a native Qt helper mentioned.

Who it suits

FlashDevelop suits developers working with ActionScript, Haxe, Flex, AIR, or generic projects who want compilation, templates, debugging, and code generation in one desktop editor. It also fits web developers needing HTML, CSS, JavaScript, PHP, XML, and source-control support, particularly those using Windows.

Limits

The listed plan is free and open source, with no paid tier described. Direct support is for Windows; Mac OS X and Linux require virtualization software or Wine/CrossOver rather than a native main application.

Getting started

1. Open the FlashDevelop website
2. Download the latest stable Windows application
3. Ensure a listed .NET Framework 2.0–4.x version is available
4. Install FlashDevelop and its bundled ActionScript or Haxe toolchains
5. Create a project from a template or open an existing project
6. Compile and test with the one-click project command

Verdict

Choose FlashDevelop for a free editor centered on ActionScript and Haxe, with project builds, debugging, web editing, and plugin support. Windows users get the direct application; Mac and Linux users need the alternative compatibility routes described by the project.