In this paper we will show that the twisting mechanism of Sturrock and Uchida is as viable a heating source for the active corona as Parker's braiding. This conclusion contradicts that of Berger (1990). Moreover, we shall show that if we adopt Berger's criterion for reconnection, braiding produces far more flare energy than is observed. A modified criterion, consistent with twisting, produces insufficient heating but, coupled to an avalanche process, could account for active region flares.