Using an XML file to load Chart components

by Sas Jacobs

Introduction

The new Flash MX charting components are a great way to create simple charts very quickly. They are even more useful when they can load data from an external source, such as an XML file.

You can use any file with a .xml extension as the data source for the chart. You could generate the XML file from an ASP, PHP or Cold Fusion page or straight from a database like Oracle or SQL Server.

The XML file provides the data values and labels. You can also use the XML file to add information like the title and sort order to the chart. You can even change things like Line chart colour from an XML file.

The tutorial is divided into the following parts:

• Structuring the XML file
• Creating your movie
• Connecting to the XML file
• Getting data into the chart
• Adding other chart information

This tutorial doesn't show you how to create an XML file. It assumes that you know how to use Flash MX and have a basic understanding of XML.

If you want to connect the chart to an external file without using XML, see the tutorial Creating dynamic charts from an external file.