Delivers vector graphics (especially animations) and other data types, including "bitmapped" video, over the Internet to the Macromedia Flash Player. Commentators describe the technology as "non-native" to the Web. Very simple playback (with a repeat loop) is controlled by a timeline; interactive examples (even very simple ones) use both a timeline and ActionScript, a scripting language similar to JavaScript. ActionScripts may reference objects within the SWF file or resources external to it, e.g., Macromedia FLV video files.
SWF files are typically derived from a FLA file (Macromedia Flash Project File); they may also be produced in other ways using third-party software. SWF files may be combined with a runtime version of the Flash player, resulting in a file type called projector. Windows versions of projector files are executables with an exe extension.
The swf extension was originally used for files played by Macromedia's Shockwave browser plug-in; see Notes for additional history information.
In 2005, Adobe purchased Macromedia and a branding changeover began. The documentation for the Flash (SWF) format, version 8, was disseminated from the Adobe Web site but still carried the Macromedia brand on the cover sheet.
Answered by
Shobhit
, an ibibo Master,
at
12:54 PM on August 18, 2008