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How to Learn ActionScript Online

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ActionScript powers Web 2.0 Flash applications

ActionScript is the object-oriented programming language for the Flash platform and other Adobe technologies. Traditionally, most Flash development software catered to designers rather than ActionScript programmers. Equally, official Flash software has often been expensive. However, after Adobe relaxed the specification's license, a range of freeware and open source options soon emerged. Many of these specifically cater for ActionScript programmers. Overall, it is now easier to learn ActionScript online than ever before.

Things You'll Need

  • Code editor
  • ActionScript compiler
  • Adobe Flash player (developer version)
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Instructions

    • 1

      Bookmark the official code references. These are available on Adobe's websites and are your main source for learning about ActionScript syntax, functions, classes and common coding solutions. They are also important sources of information on the very latest developments in ActionScript and its application platforms.

    • 2

      Bookmark specialist sources of information. Follow other developers who have written online guides and tutorials on the types of ActionScript applications you are interested in. Developer blogs often contain solutions to specific problems not covered by the official documentation.

    • 3

      Download open source examples. The code of most open source applications (such as Flowplayer) is easily available for you to learn from and modify for use in your own work. Downloading and experimenting with open source applications is an excellent way of learning new techniques.

    • 4

      Join an ActionScript developers' group. Because the ActionScript development community is comparatively small, developers are often very keen to share their knowledge with each other. Listen well to the advice that more experienced ActionScript programmers have to offer.

Tips & Warnings

  • Some freeware programs (such as FlashDevelop) are more or less complete development suites for ActionScript. However, many still require the installation of additional components such as classes, compilers or the developer version of Adobe Flash Player.

  • The developer version of Adobe Flash Player is an essential tool for debugging your Flash applications. Always implement error reporting in your development work (and remember to turn it off in your production releases).

  • A good working knowledge of JavaScript is also essential for any ActionScript developer to have. JavaScript is one of the main ways to get an ActionScript web-application communicating with its website. A useful way of learning some of the techniques involved in this is to experiment by embedding and controlling a free edition of a Flash application like Flowplayer.

  • Before decompiling or reverse engineering any other developer's application, consult the application's legal terms and conditions.

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References

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  • Photo Credit web 2.0 image by Secret Side from Fotolia.com

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