Flash CS6 Advanced: ActionScript 2 Fundamentals Book

Step-by-Step Training Workbook:

This book covers how to accept and modify user input; storing information; creating functions; creating a basic game; manipulating text character by character; modifying symbols properties; dynamically loading assets; making progress bar loaders; scripted animation; drag and drop; and ultimately how to understand and utilize ActionScript 2. ActionScript 2 is still used heavily (and often required) in banner ads. It can be considerably simpler than ActionScript 3 for people without a programming background.

Includes Downloadable Class Files (works on Mac & PC)
ISBN: 978-1-934624-86-9

Download Sample Exercise
Section 1
Basic Actions Review
  • Adding a Button and Actions
Using Variables to Store Information
  • Variables: Numbers and Strings
  • Math with Variables
  • Modifying Number Variables
  • Strict Data Typing
Using Textfields to Capture and Display
  • Input TextFields
  • Dynamic TextFields
  • Displaying User-Input Text
What IF?
  • IF and ELSE Statements
  • Evaluating User Input
Section Wrap Up: Monkey Smash!
  • Creating a Basic Game
  • Adding a Button
  • Keeping Track of the Score
Section 2
Name That Movie Clip
  • Dot Syntax Explained
  • Controlling Movie Clips with ActionScript
  • Deeply Nested Movie Clips
Movie Clip Properties
  • Dynamically Changing Movie Clip Properties
Tween-less Motion
  • Animating Objects without the Timeline
  • Constant Code Execution
  • The onEnterFrame Event
What’s Your Function?
  • Creating Functions
  • Passing Information to Functions (Arguments)
Functions that Return a Value
  • Doing Math with Functions
  • Outputting Values
  • Making a Tip Calculator
  • Rounding Numbers
Re-Usable Functions
  • Importing External ActionScript Files
  • Generating Random Numbers
Section 3
Attaching Symbols to the Stage
  • Using ActionScript to Place Symbols on the Stage
More Animation with onEnterFrame
  • Creating Endless Falling Stars
  • Moving Objects with ActionScript
  • Removing Movie Clips to Lower CPU Load
Applying Realistic Physics
  • Adding Realism to the Falling Stars
Loops
  • For Loops
  • Using Loops to Control Movie Clips
  • Evaluating Dynamic Movie Clip Names
Section 4
Arrays
  • Arrays
  • Adding Items to Arrays
  • Displaying and Formatting Arrays
Random Quote Generator
  • Randomly Choosing Array Items
  • Determining Array Length
Navigate through an Array
  • Cycling through Array Items
Using Arrays with ComboBox Components
  • Making a ComboBox Dropdown Menu
  • Populating the Menu with an Array
Section 5
Intro to the Tween Class
  • Scripting Animation (Tween Class)
  • Easing Types
Drag and Drop with the Tween Class
  • Drag and Drop Functions
  • More Animation with the Tween Class
  • Bouncing Effects
Navigate a Website with the Tween Class
  • Animating a Navigation Bar with the Tween Class
Tween Class for Text Effects
  • Advanced Text Effects with the Tween Class
  • Dynamically Animating Text
  • Letter by Letter Animation
Section 6
Movie Clip Loader Intro
  • Dynamically Loading External Files
Enhancing the User Experience
  • Creating a Loading Bar
  • Cycling through Images
  • Dynamically Loading Slide Show
Bonus Exercises
MTA Draggable Map
  • Dragging within a Frame
  • Custom Cursors
MTA Reactive Menus
  • Auto Scrolling Navigation Bar
  • Reacting to Mouse Movements

Examples of What You Learn

Combine drag and drop mouse actions with Tweens.

Use random numbers to control multiple clip properties.

Nest and control movie clips.

Use ActionScript to analyze user input and react to it.

Create and use familiar interface tools such as the dropdown menus.

Enhance your productivity by using functions.

Make killer dynamic text effects.

Create limitless effects without adding file size.

Use loops to generate random and unique effects.

Even make a few simple games (click the monkey's head).

Get practical with this tip calculater.

Why Our Books Are Unique

Our books are packed with step-by-step exercises that walk you through projects. You’ll learn by doing exercises, not reading long explanations. The goal is to give you hands-on practice with the program, getting you started quickly with the things that are most important for real life work.

demonstration of different book formats: print, kindle, & mobile devices
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