How "complex" should a JavaScript map become? When does a plugin make more sense?

Question

Background:

A client is looking to upgrade an ancient ArcIMS site, which is quite complex. It has a table of contents, the ability to change symbology on-the-fly, print the map, use spatial bookmarks, identify the "active" layer, export data, etc. It's almost like an online version of ArcView 3.

They wish to upgrade to ArcGIS Server 10, and are seeking recommendations on which of the ArcGIS Server APIs to use.

I'm most familiar with the ArcGIS Server JavaScript API, so I don't know whether the Flex or Silverlight versions would offer advantages over the JS API.

1. Is there a point of complexity after which the JS API no longer makes sense, and a plugin would offer easier development and better performance?
2. Is it easier to develop a complex application (as described above) using Flex or Silverlight?
3. Are there any online examples of very complex ("ArcView-like") sites built on the JavaScript API?

Answer 1

1) I would argue that it depends more on what the intended users are running on the client side, when building web applications for use inside an enterprise intranet you typically have control over the OS and browsers, plug-ins etc, the users can use. But if you are targeting users on internet you can only make assumptions based on statistics. Javascript is the best option to target most platforms. If you are used to working in a Microsoft environment with Visual Studio and have control over the environment, I would suggest switching to Silverlight, because it has the same programming model as WPF and WP7.

2) It depends on how the applications are built. If you write code using best practices etc. the code will be easy to maintain regardless of language or technique.

3) Have you checked the ESRI samples, does it cover everything you want to do? Otherwise check out the Silverlight or Flex samples, do they provide better support for what you need to do?

Answer 2

I'd say it all depends on what you are most comfortable coding and if you have the available software like Flash Builder 4.5 to make a great Flex app. using the Flex API. I'd also take into consideration how good the documentation is on each choice, and how much discussion is facilitated on the various forums for each API as well. It really comes down to your preference though, as anything is possible with any language given enough time and money, much like everything else in life.

Answer 3

This question is somewhat out-of-date given the advent of the ArcGIS WebAppBuilder, which does out-of-the-box tasks which would have taken extensive development in 2011, when I first asked this question.