Learning ActionScript 3.0 (A Beginner's Guide) by Rich Shupe (23-Dec-2007) Paperback

by Rich Shupe

In this book, authors Rich Shupe and Zevan Rosser share the knowledge they've gained from their years as multimedia developers/designers and teachers. Learning ActionScript 3.0 gives you a solid foundation in the language of Flash and demonstrates how you can use it for practical, everyday projects.The authors do more than just give you a collection of sample scripts. Written for those of you new to ActionScript 3.0, the book describes how ActionScript and Flash work, giving you a clear look into essential topics such as logic, event handling, displaying content, migrating legacy projects to ActionScript 3.0, classes, and much more. You will learn important techniques through hands-on exercises, and then build on those skills as chapters progress.ActionScript 3.0 represents a significant change for many Flash users, and a steeper learning curve for the uninitiated. This book will help guide you through a variety of scripting scenarios. Rather than relying heavily on prior knowledge of object-oriented programming (OOP), topics are explained in focused examples that originate in the timeline, with optional companion classes for those already comfortable with their use. As chapters progress, the book introduces more and more OOP techniques, allowing you to choose which scripting approach you prefer.Learning ActionScript 3.0 The companion web site contains material for all the exercises in the book, as well as short quizzes to make sure you're up to speed with key concepts. ActionScript 3.0 is a different animal from previous versions, and Learning ActionScript 3.0 teaches everything that web designers, GUI-based Flash developers, and those new to ActionScript need to start using the language.

Genres: Programming, Reference, Technology

Paperback

First published January 4, 2007

Reviews

[Michael]

Great beginners introduction to the new structures of AS3. Gives loads of great simple examples but doesn't assume you're a complete idiot. I recommend it for starting out if you're diving into AS3.

[Allan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is what finally made me decide that programming ActionScript as a money earning job was not for me.
I loved the simplicity of the book. And I don't think anything will stop me from tinkering around every once in a while.
But at the same time reading this made me realize that the speed at which these technologies are developing is enough to swirl my head right off, and if I want to keep up I have to constantly spin my whole torso along with it.
Frankly I've got better things to be doing now than jumping on the next iOS, Facebook game, etc... bandwagon.
So, if this book has taught me one thing, it's that I should be wasting my time on reading and writing, and not on technical mumbo-jumbo that will only be replaced be seemingly easier techno mumbo-jumbo sometime next month.

[Stacia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think it's a really good book for beginners in ActionScript 3.0 (I have prior programming experience, so I can't speak as to the experience of someone completely new to programming). The examples have real-life applications along with appropriate technical explanations. I used this book, along with Essential ActionScript 3.0 to get myself up-to-speed in ActionScript. The Moock book is, in my opinion, a better reference, but this book is great for working through short examples & reading about specific things.

[Brandon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clear guide to learning actionscript 3, without getting caught up in programming methodologies, paradigms, or whatever else. Shows potential pitfalls and ways around them, and covers just enough of the basics so as not to be irritating in its redundancy.

[John]

A rip-roaring roller coaster of a ride. I especially liked:
" external_btn.addEventListener(MouseEvent.CLICK, openLink);
function openLink(e:MouseEvent):void {
navigateToURL(new URLRequest("http://www.republicofcode.com"));
}

Brilliant!

[Will · Rating 4 out of 5]

A REALLY easy read for getting into Actionscript 3.0. I came from an AS2.0 background, always putting off AS3. I think this book and Essential AS3.0 (Moock) are a great pairing.

The website for this book is also fantastic.

[Matt McClard · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you want to learn Actionscript 3 this is the best place to start. A great book with great examples. I would not have been able to complete my last project had it not been for this book.

[Brandee Terry · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a textbook but I actually found that it was lacking directions and was often confusing.

[Patrycja · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent book. It helped me a lot back at school.

[Hellofutureboss · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent book if you are on the really basic level on ActionScript 3.0.