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There are now new ways to produce old results. In older versions of ActionScript, one would use the setInterval() function. Now, as actionscript 3 serves as the community model citizen of OOP (Object Oriented Programming) we are given the new Timer class in the flash.utils package.
Today I have decided to build a simple ActionScript 3.0 horizontal menu based on an array. This is a fairly common practice in Flash development as we are often using data provided from a XML file to dynamically update content within our movies. To simplify this tutorial I am going to use an array that is written within my code instead of parsing it from a XML file.
The following example will demonstrate how to loop through an array and draw a button for each item in that array. Each button will have a label, an up state and an over state. I have read that it is good practice to use the SimbleButton object whenever possible, but I am not going to use the it in this tutorial because I am interested in learning more about addChild(), getChildByName(), currentTarget, mouseChildren and other features of ActionScript 3.0 that could be avoided using SimpleButtons.
As an independent designer/developer, I was very disheartened to see the price tag associated with Adobe’s Master Collection. Even with the upgrade price, I would still be shelling out over $1600.00 for the upgrade to receive the current versions of the software that would work with the new laptop running Vista (Not to mention the price on upgrading MS Office as well).
I have to admit I felt like I was being betrayed after years and years of loyalty to both Adobe and Macromedia. I decided I would look at the Open-Source alternatives to my current work flow.
I have been praising the Open-Source initiatives for years having seen and been a part of its birth. I began by downloading package after package to explore alternatives to address the primary needs in my workflow. This included web, video and graphics. I spent close to a month working with programs, evaluating the results and refining the process.
To make a long story short, in my humble opinion, nothing comes close to the way Adobe Master Collection pulls it all together. Although the price tag is steep for many small firms and consultants, I believe it is well worth the money for anyone who professionally deals with development for clients.
There are so many improvements in the actual workflow and product use that I can’t ever image finding a better set of tools for individuals or teams working on web, print or video production or even more so in situations where combinations of those workflows are used.
Not only has ActionScript changed, but the Flash CS3 authoring environment also sports an entirely new look. The new interface sleeker and much more flexible than anything Flash has seen before.
Flash Remoting MX lets developers easily integrate rich Macromedia Flash content with applications that are built using ColdFusion, ASP.NET, Java, PHP, or SOAP-based web services. The result is complex client/server applications that more closely resemble desktop applications than traditional web pages. Build applications that connect to a database, file system, or other server-side technologies. Developers who are looking to create Rich Internet Applications with the Flash will find Flash Remoting: The Definitive Guide indispensable.
Well before Ajax and Windows Presentation Foundation, Macromedia Flash provided the first method for building “rich” web pages. Now, Adobe is making Flash a full-fledged development environment, and learning ActionScript 3.0 is key. That’s a challenge for even the most experienced Flash developer. This Cookbook offers more than 300 solutions to solve a wide range of coding dilemmas, so you can learn to work with the new version right away.