ActionScript 3.0 Bible

Features

• Cover Type: Paperback with 735 pages
• Published by: Wiley
• Edition: 1st Edition October 29, 2007
• Written in: English
• ISBN 10 Number: 0470135603
• ISBN 13 Number: 978-0470135600
• Book Dimensions: 9.2 x 7 x 1.8 inches
• Weighs: 2 pounds

Book Description
ActionScript has matured into a full-fledged, object-oriented programming language for creating cutting-edge Web applications, and this comprehensive book is just what you need to succeed. If you want to add interactivity to Flash, build Flex applications, or work with animation — it's all here, and more. Packed with clear instruction, step-by-step tutorials, and advanced techniques, this book is your go-to guide to unlock the power of this amazing language. Learn the basics, apply object-oriented programming, and more.

Back Cover Copy
Build rich Internet applications and more

ActionScript has matured into a full-fledged, object-oriented programming language for creating cutting-edge Web applications, and this comprehensive book is just what you need to succeed. If you want to addinteractivity to Flash, build Flex applications, or work with animation — it's all here, and more. Packed with clear instruction, step-by-step tutorials, and advanced techniques, this book is your go-to guide to unlock the power of this amazing language.

• Learn the basics: expressions, variables, functions, and more
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  Apply object-oriented programming and principles to structure reusable, dependable code
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  Master common data structures such as Strings, Arrays, and Objects
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  Work with XML using the new E4X extensions
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  Take control of the powerful new event model to write interactive software
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  Discover new display types such as Shape and Sprite
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  Add sound, video, animation, and effects
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  Debug, handle errors, and make your applications fault-tolerant
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  Read, write, and store data in binary format

Reader Reviews
I am an experienced programmer who knows Java very well, and I was looking to learn ActionScript 3 so as to be able to build Flash applications. I found this book very easy to read and to understand, and the examples easy to put in practice. Sure, there are a few errors here and there (including in the code, which may confound a truly inexperienced programmer, but also make him think a bit to find the errors... a good exercise), but the overall tone is nice. I took my time, going through about one chapter a day (having other things to do as well), so I finished the book in about a month. Someone dedicated can probably read the whole book and play with all the examples in about a week. I especially liked the fact that the book introduces the reader to almost all Flash APIs: graphics, animation, user interface, XML parsing, file management, networking, image processing, printing, JavaScript interaction, etc. It does not go in depth into most APIs, but by the time you're done reading the book, you have a great overall picture of what you can do with Flash, and you can now explore the APIs in depth by yourself to build more complex projects (using the very comprehensive integrated help that comes with Flash CS3 Professional). You know where to look. I took notes while reading the book every time I learned a new concept, and now I use a highlighter to cross individual notes out as I put the concept in practice into my code and memorize it for good. I hope to have crossed out all my notes in the coming weeks. Anyway, one month after having finished the book, I consider myself quite familiar with ActionScript 3, and I have been writing some good code. So I would say that I am very happy that I purchased this book. Comment | | (Report this)