Choosing a topic to write about for a Flex cookbook post (Updated 5/23/07)

Flex cookbook editors maintain this post, and will periodically take questions posted from users and add them to this list for those looking for a topic to write about. 

What else is appropriate Flex cookbook content?  You might have answered somebody's question in the Flex user forums or on other user lists (such as flexcoders). If you proposed an answer to someone's question in another site or e-mail list, feel free share that problem/solution here in the Flex cookbook. 

Here is a list of current open topics. 

• How do you convert PDFs to SWFs on the fly. The open source sw, PDF2SWF, converts the file into Flash Player 7 which runs on AVM1, but how do you convert the files to Flash Player 9?
  
• Is there a way to bring older SWF files into Flex and play with their timeline?
• How do you use an ArrayCollection that needs to be an external file? I have tried mx:WebService, but this is a local file.
• Is it possible to use the service-config.xml file without specifying it during the compile time?  Right now, when you want to change the destination, it requires a recompile which is a real pain when dealing with multiple destinations.
• How do you create a Flex/Flickr mashup?
  
• How do you implement a Flow Layout?  (Darron Schall has posted an answer)
  
• How can a button's icon be changed based on interactions with the UI?
• How do you create a instance of a component at runtime with only the class name? what about when the class name is dynamic it self?
  
• How do you create a secure login/authentication component for Flex 2?
  
• How do you call a JSP page when you click a Flex component and the response of a JSP page needs to be embedded in the same page from which the JSP is called?
  
• How do you clear cache for the HTTP Service Result?  I am using a PHP script and calling it from an HTTP Service call.  In Firefox it works fine but in IE when you refresh it doesn't reload the data? Once the initial HTTPService request is made a second one appears to be returning the same result set, not the new one.
• Is there a way to embed a WSDL rather than have it be fetched each time?
• Is there a way to add separate objects to the stage? Whenever I add "addChild(bitmap)" the new image is merged with the existing one. How do i make sure the new image is added as a separate display object?
• How to change the XML file that populates a component to another XML file when a link or button is clicked (see more details in post)
• How do you process credit card payments with Flex 2? Can you include a sample and instructions?
  
• Is it possible to use the service-config.xml file without specifying it during the compile time?
• Is it possible to use the service-config.xml file without specifying it during the compile time?  Right now, when you want to change the destination, it requires a recompile which is a real pain when dealing with multiple destinations.
• Button Padding : Any thoughts on how to pad the button so it is not so close to the label text?
• How do you call JSP from MXML in the same window?
  

Note: If you don't see a topic here that you'd like to see a posting on, please add it in the "Comments" section below. Or,if you answer one of the questions above, please post a comment below and I'll link to it from this list.

We cannot ensure that all questions will be answered.  Some questions might be more appropriately answered in the Adobe Flex user forums.