ActionScripting in Flash

The book will begin with foundation knowledge and will build on that with practical workshops. This way, the readers should be able to apply what they learn to future challenges they might encounter.

Flash 5's new ActionScript language makes practically anything possible. Once you define your goals, you need only translate them to programming language. But not everyone speaks this language; and even if you have programming skills, you'll need to know how to apply them to Flash. My book addresses this dilemma by helping intermediate Flash users become programmers and showing programmers how to make Flash perform.

The first half of the book will give you a solid foundation so you understand how to program in Flash. Many examples are interspersed, but you won't need to follow along with Flash running (though you may often feel like going off to try things when inspired). The second half is broken into 21 practical workshops where you can apply what you learned in the first half. These tutorials are designed not so much as examples of "perfect code"rather, solutions are worked out through a true-to-life process. For example, sometimes I purposely guide readers down the wrong path so that we can work out the solutions. That way, you will be able identify problems and work out solutions for real projects you encounter on your own.

This book definitely does not shy away from advanced topics, but it isn t an exhaustive reference to every detail in the ActionScript language either. That s not what this book is about. It s about giving you the skills so that you can apply any idea you have to Flash. When you re equipped with the knowledge I cover, you ll be able to meet any challenge. It might involve researching an esoteric formula for physics or applying a unique math calculation. If that means you have to research a specific topic, this book will give you the skills to figure out how to apply it to Flash. Think of this book as a bridge that will take you from "Flash user" to "ActionScript programmer".

Phillip Kerman is an independent programmer, teacher, and writer specializing in Macromedia products. His degree in Imaging and Photographic Technology from the Rochester Institute of Technology was earned back when "multimedia" had a different meaning than today. One of Phillip's internships, for example, involved programming multiple slide projector presentations with dissolves synchronized to a sound track-the multimedia of the 1980s. In 1993, he found Macromedia Authorware a natural fit for his interest and skills. After getting his start at The Human Element, Inc., he moved back to Portland, Oregon to work on his own.

Phillip has transitioned his expertise from Authorware to Director, and now, to Flash. Over seven years, he has had to adapt to a total of 13 version upgrades-Flash 5 being the most significant of them all! In addition to retooling and building his own skills, Phillip finds teaching the biggest challenge. He has trained and made presentations around the world, in such exotic locations as Reykjavik, Iceland; Melbourne, Australia; Amsterdam, Holland; and McAlester, Oklahoma. He wrote Sams Teach Yourself Macromedia Flash 5 in 24 Hours (that is the title, not how long it took to write). His writing has also appeared in such publications as Macworld, Macromedia User Journal, and his self-published The Phillip Newsletter.

In addition to showing others how to create multimedia, Phillip has had plenty of opportunities to get his hands dirty in programming. Last century, Phillip programmed the all-Flash Web site for Paris France Inc. This site was included in both Communication ArtsInteractive Design Annual and the British Design & Art Direction Annual in 2000. The latest version of the M3 site won the navigation category at the London Flash Film Festival. Feel free to email Phillip at [email protected].