Learning ActionScript 3.0

Learning ActionScript 3.0, the beginner’s guide to the Flash language, teaches everything needed for non-traditional programmers—web designers, GUI-based Flash developers, those new to ActionScript, visual learners—to understand how ActionScript works and how to use it in everyday, project-based work.

If you’re new to ActionScript 3.0, this is the ideal introductory guide. Learning ActionScript 3.0 describes how ActionScript and Flash work, with a clear look at essential topics such as logic, event handling, displaying content, classes, migrating projects to ActionScript 3.0, and much more. You learn important techniques through hands-on exercises, and build on those skills as the book progresses. The companion web site contains material for all of the exercises, plus short quizzes to test your knowledge of key concepts.Flash designers, developers, and beginning programmers alike will find this feature-rich guide invaluable for navigating ActionScript 3.0’s steep learning curve. Authors Rich Shupe and Zevan Rosser draw on their vast experience as Flash developers and teachers to give you a solid ActionScript foundation, revealing ways you can use it for practical, everyday projects.

With this book, you learn:

• New ways to harness the power and performance of ActionScript 3.0
• How ActionScript is used in Flash CS3 Professional and the Flash Player
• Common mistakes people make with the language
• How to format text, work with sound and video, draw with code, and more
• Scripting with either procedural or object-oriented techniques
• How to load assets and data into Flash using SWF, images, text, and XML file formats
• Tips that go beyond simple script collections, including how to approach a project and which resources can help you along the way

About the Authors

Rich Shupe has been teaching ActionScript program­ming to students of all levels since the language became available. He founded his own training and development company, FMA, in 1995. A recognized authority on several technologies, including Flash, Director and QuickTime, Rich is a full-time faculty member at New York’s School of Visual Arts’ Computer Art Dept.

Zevan Rosser is a freelance designer/programmer/consultant and computer artist. He teaches ActionScript and Flash animation at New York’s School of Visual Arts and FMA. When he’s not working on commercial projects he works on his personal site, http://www.shapevent.com.