Adobe Flash uses vector and bitmap to create animations. There are probably others, which I don't know of. I use Adobe Flash and I'm happy with it.
raster
Illustrator is a vector based program that can export raster images.
Macromedia created Flash, an application software widely used for creating animations, interactive content, and multimedia applications. Flash allowed designers to create vector-based animations and incorporated scripting for interactivity, making it popular for web development. Although it was eventually discontinued in favor of modern technologies like HTML5, CSS3, and JavaScript, Flash played a significant role in the evolution of online animations and interactive experiences.
GIMP, just like Photoshop or MS Paint, is a bitmap program. Vector programs are programs that are based around curved and straight lines to create an image that doesn't have any pixels.
Photoshop is a raster/pixel-based program, and is also a product you have to purchase. Inkscape is a vector drawing program that's free.
Some examples of vector-based programs include Adobe Illustrator, CorelDRAW, and Inkscape. These programs are commonly used for creating graphics, illustrations, and logos because they allow for scalable and high-quality images that can be resized without losing quality.
Well, between the two of those, I would go with Freehand, just for the graphics. For animating, you would want to use a vector-based drawing program for at least all of the moving parts. That is, if you are animating in 2D rather than 3D. You could use Photo shop for your background (the scene) if there are no moving parts (animations) in the background, and you would rather try to make the scenery appear more realistic. However, using a vector-based program for the background is also a better idea. Suppose you have a ringing phone, shaking in the scene - it would be easier, and better, to do this along with the rest of the background in vector rather than raster. Photo shop is raster. Raster is difficult to animate at a good quality. Above either of these programs, I would recommend Adobe Flash for animating. Adobe Flash can do everything from the drawings to the actual animation of the graphics via a time line and effects you can apply.
There are no speech sounds in Scratch, as it is a block-based programming language primarily used for creating animations and games. Users can add text-based dialogue to their projects, but there are no built-in speech synthesis capabilities.
Some formats like ai, eps,pdf you can open in Photoshop using open command from File menu, Photoshop will automatically convert vector objects to pixels. Another way is to place vector based image from File > Place. Place command will always create Smart Object which is layer with some extra options. To convert Smart Object layer to regular just right click on Smart Object layer in LAYERS palette and choose Rasterize Layer or go to Layer > Rasterize > Smart Object.
Adobe Illustrator is a vector-based (meaning it doesn't pixellate even if you zoom in) drawing program which was developed and marketed by Adobe Systems.
It is both. An 'application' is a type of software.
Yes, partially. PDF encodes fonts and EPS graphics that are vector based. It also encodes images, in JPG format for example, which are raster based.