I’ve been working on the HTML and CSS for LaG using Espresso. I first created the markup in a base html file and then I’ve adding the CSS classes and styles as needed. I’ve now come to the point where I’m going to start implementing the UI in the server. The first decision I need to make is whether to implement the UI using FBML or an iFrame for the FaceBook app.
In a previous application, I used FBML because it was easier to get something that looked like it was integrated with FaceBook. Also, if I recall correctly, it was easier to pass the FaceBook session between server trips. I know I didn’t explicitly have to add a URL parameter to any of the links I generated to pass it along. I didn’t look to see if there was a simple solution to this, but I assumed I would need to do something.
Then today I noticed this note in Mafia Wars, “… we deployed iframe technology to dramatically speed up the game…” Well that kinda sold me. If an iFrame application is faster, that’s what I’ll go with. It also allows me to use common JavaScript libraries like jQuery and I’m less concerned about looking like an integrated application, so that one less reason to go with FBML.
Finally, iFrame development will be a lot easier than FBML because with FBML you have to go through FaceBook servers so the FBML will render. Using an iFrame will allow me to develop LaG as if it is any other web application.
