In September 2003, Macromedia released Flash MX 2004, and with it,
ActionScript 2.0, a dramatically improved version of Flash's programming
language. ActionScript 2.0 introduces a formal object-oriented
programming syntax and methodology for creating Flash applications. From
a developer's perspective, the new OOP-based techniques in ActionScript
2.0 make applications more natural to plan and conceptualize, more
stable, more reusable across projects, easier to maintain, change, and
expand upon, and much more. In short, they enhance the entire
development process.In Essential ActionScript 2.0, bestselling author
Colin Moock--one of the most universally respected developers in the
Flash community--covers everything you'll need to know about the new
ActionScript language and its methodologies for producing movies,
animation, and applications on the web. Moock guides readers through
this important new territory with his trademark easy-to-understand style
and expertise. Moock's goal throughout the book is not just to get you
to use object-oriented programming in your daily Flash work: he wants
you to reap the benefits of OOP; he wants you to understand ActionScript
2.0 completely. And without question, Moock is the author who can make
this happen.Essential ActionScript 2.0 begins with a tour of the
language, including the fundamentals of object-oriented concepts,
syntax, and usage. Those who are new to OOP will learn the basics and
how to apply their understanding. Those who are familiar with OOP will
leverage their prior experience to learn about Flash-based OOP. The next
part of the book shows how to structure entire applications with
ActionScript 2.0, teaching you best practices and techniques to build
scalable, extensible, stable apps. Next, you'll explore a variety of
approaches to various programming situations by applying object-oriented
programming strategies, known as design patterns, to Flash.Experienced
Flash developers and programmers coming from other languages will enjoy
the sheer depth of Moocks's coverage and expertise in Essential
ActionScript 2.0. Novice programmers will appreciate the frequent,
low-jargon explanations that are often glossed over by advanced
programming books. As usual, Moock guarantees quality and accuracy by
working closely with Macromedia Flash engineers, including Rebecca Sun,
lead developer of ActionScript 2.0.Whether you're ready to make the move
to ActionScript 2.0 now or simply assessing it for the future, you'll
find everything you need to know within this book. Essential
ActionScript 2.0 is the one book every ActionScript coder must own.
