Hi Guys,
I gave a session at the Washing DC PDF Conference on the differences between AcroForm and XFA (LiveCycle) Scripting. My presentation, which includes a live example with scripts as well as general advice is posted on the
PDF Conference web site. There are several Adobe documents that cover different aspects of the XFA model and scripting. You need both. There are links on the WindJack Solutions site that point to the Adobe web pages where these documents are listed.
For a while now I've been giving developer level Acrobat JavaScript training. I'm currently developing my training content into another format. The is for a book covering the absolute basics of Acrobat Scripting (everything you need to know to do it right). The emphasis is on
Acrobat JavaScript, not necessarily Forms JavaScript. While forms have been a huge part of Acrobat JavaScript, Scripting is massively underutilized for Acrobat Automation and PDF Application development. Especially given the explosion of different PDF scripting technologies i.e., XFA, 3DAnnots, and the lastest browser IAC additions, recent changes in internet interactions (because of security), etc... Lots has been going on in the PDF scripting world including possible future changes because of the MM merger. Can you imagine Flash Action Script integration with Acrobat? Could happen, you never know. Anyway, the idea is to provide a foundation in Acrobat Scripting, and a reference. It will give programmers the tools to effectively use Acrobat and allow them to easily move into any of the other scripting areas.
XFA (LiveCycle Designer) scripting is a pretty big topic all on it's own. It works within the fundamental Acrobat Scripting model, but has several major differences from it. It would be unrealistic to try and cover it completely in a book that's about basic Acrobat JavaScripting, but of course deserves some coverage. Since you're interested, what do you think are the most important aspects of Acrobat scripting that need to be covered and is the dead tree format (DTF) really the best choice? How about an interactive e-book with built in JavaScript examples you can cut and paste into your own PDFs?
Thom Parker
WindJack Solutions
www.windjack.com