Flash ActionScript F/x and Design - Softcover

Sanders, Bill

Softcover

ISBN 10: 157610821X ISBN 13: 9781576108215

Publisher: Coriolis Group,U.S., 2000

Synopsis

ActionScript for Flash( 5 is a quantum leap from previous versions of this scripting language for Flash. Using ActionScript the Flash 5 developer can add interactive functionality like never before, and this book explains and shows (with plenty of projects and examples) how to get the most out of Flash 5 using AcitonScript. The book covers all major concepts in ActionScript for Flash 5 including the actions (statements), operators (which have changed significantly from previous versions), functions (including user-funcitons), properties, and the many new objects and their methods. Ten chapters lead the reader through all the elements of the new ActionScript, and an Example Glossary provides a quick lookup with an example script for all of the many actions, operators, functions, and properties. The book's CD-ROM includes the source files (FLA) and the SWF files so that the reader can both examine the coding for all the projects and run them. Flash 5 trial software is included as well so that the rea

About this title

Review

ActionScripting in a Flash movie can mean the difference between a simple animation and a fully interactive game or interface. If you have used Flash 4 or 5's basic actions and now feel ready to expand your arsenal of coding, Flash ActionScript F/X and Design would be the book for you. This conversational collection of tutorials and .fla walkthroughs is particularly suited to Web developers who come from a visual rather than a programming background. Flash fans fluent in C++, or even just JavaScript, may find it too elementary and slow-paced.

However, it is just those qualities that make this book an ideal starting point for script-wary Web designers. Author Sanders is a college professor, and his text has just the right amount of guidance to simulate a one-on-one with an experienced teacher. The many projects and mini-projects ("learning utilities"), all of which are provided on the companion CD-ROM, reflect lessons that range from working with conditionals and operators, handling events and calling functions to passing data among ActionScript, JavaScript and HTML. They take the form of a quotation guessing game, a drag-and-drop shopping cart and an interactive cartoon by renowned retro-font designer and cartoonist (and Betty Boop expert) Leslie Carbarga. Each project provides a good launching point for applying what's covered in the text.

Caveats: if you are completely new to Flash, this book will be too fast for you; it's also not quite a good fit for Flash-experienced users who are pressed for time and need a quick reference, although it does include a nice glossary of actions, operators, functions and properties. It's also important to note that XML is outside the scope of the book. However, as an introduction to OOP (Object-oriented Programming) in general and Flash 5 ActionScripting in particular, this is an excellent choice. --Angelynn Grant

About the Author

Bill Sanders is an experienced script and program developer in various languages and platforms including HyperCard script, Lingo, JavaScript, and ActionScript. He is a professor at the University of Hartford in the Interactive Information Technology program where he works with students who are preparing for careers in the wired and wireless environment of the Internet and World Wide Web. Bill is working on a project that explores online learning practices and how Flash has enabled students to learn with interactive media. Bill has written numerous books including Flash 5 f/x & Design, Flash ActionScript f/x & Design, and JavaScript Design (New Riders).

Edition details

• Publisher: Coriolis Group,U.S.
• Publication date: 2000
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 157610821X
• ISBN 13: 9781576108215
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 356