Amal Nagm

The Difference Between Flash and Shockwave

Flash and Shockwave allow Web sites to deliver the most engaging, compelling and interesting entertainment content on the Web. The Web utilizes technologies like Flash and Shockwave to enhance the entertainment experience you get when you use the Internet.

There are certain Web sites that require either Shockwave or Flash to be installed in order to view their content. For example, many sites require Shockwave to be able to play free slot games, etc.

1.) Are technologies developed by Macromedia, Inc.

2.) Are plug-ins for Web browsers.

3.) Make use of ActiveX in Web browsers.

4.) Enable Web pages to include multimedia objects, such as graphics, video and animations.

Howeverthere are few differences. Most of them are minor

Macromedia Flash

1.) Macromedia Flash is widely spread, as many Web sites require Flash to be pre-installed. It allows designers to combine text, graphics, video and sound to create dynamic and immersive applications in a variety of fields, including interactive Web content and games.

2.) Flash loads comparatively faster than Shockwave.

3.) Flash allows designers and developers to integrate video, text, audio and graphics into their interactive presentations.

5.) Flash works in the .SWF Flash format and it is part of the "SIMPLE" Scripting Level.

Macromedia Shockwave

1.) Macromedia claims that over 200 million Web users have installed the Macromedia Shockwave player. Some of the features supported by Shockwave are 3D games, product demos and online learning applications.

2.) Shockwave is mostly used for online games and areas that require programming (as opposed to simple video clips or animations). It has the ability to move objects around as well.

3.) Shockwave has a special built in feature where it can integrate Flash into its own format (Flash cannot do that with Shockwave).

4.) Shockwave can only be created using the Macromedia Director and it is part of the Advanced Scripting Language. Shockwave requires technical expertise as well.

6.) Shockwave works in the .DCR Shockwave format, which is one that is much harder to decode/modify.