Home > Store

Fundamentals of ActionScript 3.0: Develop and Design

Register your product to gain access to bonus material or receive a coupon.

Fundamentals of ActionScript 3.0: Develop and Design

eBook (Watermarked)

  • Your Price: $43.99
  • Includes EPUB and PDF
  • About eBook Formats
  • This eBook includes the following formats, accessible from your Account page after purchase:

    ePub EPUB The open industry format known for its reflowable content and usability on supported mobile devices.

    Adobe Reader PDF The popular standard, used most often with the free Acrobat® Reader® software.

    This eBook requires no passwords or activation to read. We customize your eBook by discreetly watermarking it with your name, making it uniquely yours.

Not for Sale

Description

  • Copyright 2011
  • Dimensions: 7-3/8" x 9-1/8"
  • Pages: 544
  • Edition: 1st
  • eBook (Watermarked)
  • ISBN-10: 0-13-278908-6
  • ISBN-13: 978-0-13-278908-0

Adobe Flash Professional is the most popular software available for creating animations for the Web. Most people start using Flash to create vector-based animations that output small file sizes perfect for the Web. Later they want to branch out into creating rich interactive experiences for websites and mobile devices, and for that they need to learn ActionScript.

Doug Winnie draws on the experience he’s gained from his years as an educator to teach not only what ActionScript can do, but also to show how the code works. This gives the reader a deeper understanding of how ActionScript functions, and gives them the power to come up with original solutions when creating their own projects.

Doug’s book dives right into the concepts of manipulating Flash objects and the fundamentals of functions and mathematical operators. After presenting events and using scripts to control the Flash timeline, classes and conditionals are covered in depth.

The final part of the book covers creating desktop applications with Adobe AIR, developing mobile applications, and working with external code libraries. Real-world projects are sprinkled generously throughout the book and Appendices include information on debugging, deciphering documentation, and using Adobe Flash Builder as an ActionScript development environment.

 

Sample Content

Table of Contents

Introduction

Part 1: Getting the Fundamentals

Chapter 1: Accessing and Manipulating Objects
Accessing Objects
Sending Messages to the Output Console
Changing Object parameters

Chapter 2: Dynamically Adding Objects to the Stage
Creating Named Library Assets
Creating new objects on the stage
Working with Comments

Chapter 3: Working with Functions
Fundamentals of Functions
Accepting values in Functions
Returning Values from Functions
Things to Remember about Functions

Chapter 4: ActionScript and Math
Mathematical Operators
Combined Assignment Operators
Increment and Decrement Operators
Order of Operations
Using Parenthesis to Force Order

Chapter 5: Creating Events
Events: Explained
Creating a Mouse Event Handler

Chapter 6: Using Timeline Scripting with Mouse Events
Controlling Timeline Playback
Using the Event Callback Object and Understanding Scope
Using Frame Labels
Single Quotes vs. Double Quotes
Working with Simple Callback Functions

Chapter 7: Creating a Timer

Chapter 8: Project: Creating a Clock

Part 2: The Basics of Classes

Chapter 9: What is a Class?
What is a Class
Overview of a Class
Variables Revealed
Creating a Class

Chapter 10: Building Out the Class
Parts of a Class
Import Statement
Class Statement
Class Constructor
Creating the Instance
Adding Constructor Properties
Customizing the Button Label
Customizing Multiple Properties
Creating Methods
Accessing Methods from Outside the Class

Chapter 11: Doing More with Classes
What is the public keyword for?
Restricting Access with private
Naming Best Practices for Private Members
Getters and Setters: Keeping things Polite
Creating Getter and Setter Methods
Using the get and set Statements
Creating the Document Class

Chapter 12: Project: A Virtual Zoo (NEW)

Part 3: Responding to Conditions

Chapter 13: Conditionals
Boolean Variables
Testing for Equality
Testing for Inequality
Demonstrating Equality and Inequality
Adding Feedback
Testing Conditions
The if Statement
The if…else Statement
The if…else if Statement

Chapter 14: Creating Groups of Objects and Repeating Actions Using Loops
What are Loops
The for Loop
Creating Groups of Items with Arrays
Looping through Arrays
Controlling the Flow of Loops with break and continue

Chapter 15: Project: Tilr

Chapter 16: Advanced Boolean Logic and Random Numbers
Logic Operators
The AND Operator
The OR Operator
Building Complex Conditionals
Generating Random Numbers
Project: DiceOut!

Part 4: Working with More Events

Chapter 17: Working with Text and the Keyboard
Working with Text Fields
Understanding Font Embedding
Customizing the Text Style
Managing Conditions with switch Blocks
Differences between Code Types: Key Codes versus Character Codes
Recognizing Special Keys

Chapter 18: Project: Creating a Quiz
Creating the Quiz Layout
Creating the KeyboardEvent Handler
Uncoupling the Quiz

Chapter 19: Desktop Applications with Adobe AIR
Creating a Desktop Project
Responding to Desktop Events
Understanding Differences Between Desktop and Browser Applications
Customizing the Look of your Application

Chapter 20: Project: Bare Bones, A Desktop Application

Chapter 21: Mobile Applications with Adobe AIR
Configuring your environment for Android
Configuring your environment for iOS
Working with Multitouch Events
Working with the Accelerometer
Creating Adaptive Layouts using ActionScript
Testing and Debugging your Application
Project: Mini Bones, A Mobile Application

Part 5: Organizing your Code and Working with External Code Libraries

Chapter 22: Understanding Packages

Chapter 23: Using Interfaces

Chapter 24: Extending Text Quality with TLF
Capabilities of TLF
Integrating TLF into your project
Working with Text using TLF

Chapter 25: Working with Third Party Libraries
How to import Third Party Libraries
Working with SWCs vs. Class Packages
The Hype Framework
Adding Hype to your Project
Creating your first Hype Project

Appendix: Understanding ActionScript Debugging
The Debug Interface
Understanding Breakpoints
Understanding Watchers
Capturing Errors and Dealing with them
Working with Runtime Errors

Appendix: Deciphering ActionScript Documentation
The Adobe Community Help Client
How to find the help you need
Understanding the contents of a Class documentation file
Working with Sample Code

Appendix: Diving Deep with Flash Builder 4.5
Using Flash Builder with Flash Professional
Creating ActionScript Projects in Flash Builder
Working with Exported SWCs from Flash Professional

Coding Shortcuts

Quick Reference Guide

Glossary

Index

Updates

Submit Errata

More Information

InformIT Promotional Mailings & Special Offers

I would like to receive exclusive offers and hear about products from InformIT and its family of brands. I can unsubscribe at any time.

Overview


Pearson Education, Inc., 221 River Street, Hoboken, New Jersey 07030, (Pearson) presents this site to provide information about products and services that can be purchased through this site.

This privacy notice provides an overview of our commitment to privacy and describes how we collect, protect, use and share personal information collected through this site. Please note that other Pearson websites and online products and services have their own separate privacy policies.

Collection and Use of Information


To conduct business and deliver products and services, Pearson collects and uses personal information in several ways in connection with this site, including:

Questions and Inquiries

For inquiries and questions, we collect the inquiry or question, together with name, contact details (email address, phone number and mailing address) and any other additional information voluntarily submitted to us through a Contact Us form or an email. We use this information to address the inquiry and respond to the question.

Online Store

For orders and purchases placed through our online store on this site, we collect order details, name, institution name and address (if applicable), email address, phone number, shipping and billing addresses, credit/debit card information, shipping options and any instructions. We use this information to complete transactions, fulfill orders, communicate with individuals placing orders or visiting the online store, and for related purposes.

Surveys

Pearson may offer opportunities to provide feedback or participate in surveys, including surveys evaluating Pearson products, services or sites. Participation is voluntary. Pearson collects information requested in the survey questions and uses the information to evaluate, support, maintain and improve products, services or sites, develop new products and services, conduct educational research and for other purposes specified in the survey.

Contests and Drawings

Occasionally, we may sponsor a contest or drawing. Participation is optional. Pearson collects name, contact information and other information specified on the entry form for the contest or drawing to conduct the contest or drawing. Pearson may collect additional personal information from the winners of a contest or drawing in order to award the prize and for tax reporting purposes, as required by law.

Newsletters

If you have elected to receive email newsletters or promotional mailings and special offers but want to unsubscribe, simply email information@informit.com.

Service Announcements

On rare occasions it is necessary to send out a strictly service related announcement. For instance, if our service is temporarily suspended for maintenance we might send users an email. Generally, users may not opt-out of these communications, though they can deactivate their account information. However, these communications are not promotional in nature.

Customer Service

We communicate with users on a regular basis to provide requested services and in regard to issues relating to their account we reply via email or phone in accordance with the users' wishes when a user submits their information through our Contact Us form.

Other Collection and Use of Information


Application and System Logs

Pearson automatically collects log data to help ensure the delivery, availability and security of this site. Log data may include technical information about how a user or visitor connected to this site, such as browser type, type of computer/device, operating system, internet service provider and IP address. We use this information for support purposes and to monitor the health of the site, identify problems, improve service, detect unauthorized access and fraudulent activity, prevent and respond to security incidents and appropriately scale computing resources.

Web Analytics

Pearson may use third party web trend analytical services, including Google Analytics, to collect visitor information, such as IP addresses, browser types, referring pages, pages visited and time spent on a particular site. While these analytical services collect and report information on an anonymous basis, they may use cookies to gather web trend information. The information gathered may enable Pearson (but not the third party web trend services) to link information with application and system log data. Pearson uses this information for system administration and to identify problems, improve service, detect unauthorized access and fraudulent activity, prevent and respond to security incidents, appropriately scale computing resources and otherwise support and deliver this site and its services.

Cookies and Related Technologies

This site uses cookies and similar technologies to personalize content, measure traffic patterns, control security, track use and access of information on this site, and provide interest-based messages and advertising. Users can manage and block the use of cookies through their browser. Disabling or blocking certain cookies may limit the functionality of this site.

Do Not Track

This site currently does not respond to Do Not Track signals.

Security


Pearson uses appropriate physical, administrative and technical security measures to protect personal information from unauthorized access, use and disclosure.

Children


This site is not directed to children under the age of 13.

Marketing


Pearson may send or direct marketing communications to users, provided that

  • Pearson will not use personal information collected or processed as a K-12 school service provider for the purpose of directed or targeted advertising.
  • Such marketing is consistent with applicable law and Pearson's legal obligations.
  • Pearson will not knowingly direct or send marketing communications to an individual who has expressed a preference not to receive marketing.
  • Where required by applicable law, express or implied consent to marketing exists and has not been withdrawn.

Pearson may provide personal information to a third party service provider on a restricted basis to provide marketing solely on behalf of Pearson or an affiliate or customer for whom Pearson is a service provider. Marketing preferences may be changed at any time.

Correcting/Updating Personal Information


If a user's personally identifiable information changes (such as your postal address or email address), we provide a way to correct or update that user's personal data provided to us. This can be done on the Account page. If a user no longer desires our service and desires to delete his or her account, please contact us at customer-service@informit.com and we will process the deletion of a user's account.

Choice/Opt-out


Users can always make an informed choice as to whether they should proceed with certain services offered by InformIT. If you choose to remove yourself from our mailing list(s) simply visit the following page and uncheck any communication you no longer want to receive: www.informit.com/u.aspx.

Sale of Personal Information


Pearson does not rent or sell personal information in exchange for any payment of money.

While Pearson does not sell personal information, as defined in Nevada law, Nevada residents may email a request for no sale of their personal information to NevadaDesignatedRequest@pearson.com.

Supplemental Privacy Statement for California Residents


California residents should read our Supplemental privacy statement for California residents in conjunction with this Privacy Notice. The Supplemental privacy statement for California residents explains Pearson's commitment to comply with California law and applies to personal information of California residents collected in connection with this site and the Services.

Sharing and Disclosure


Pearson may disclose personal information, as follows:

  • As required by law.
  • With the consent of the individual (or their parent, if the individual is a minor)
  • In response to a subpoena, court order or legal process, to the extent permitted or required by law
  • To protect the security and safety of individuals, data, assets and systems, consistent with applicable law
  • In connection the sale, joint venture or other transfer of some or all of its company or assets, subject to the provisions of this Privacy Notice
  • To investigate or address actual or suspected fraud or other illegal activities
  • To exercise its legal rights, including enforcement of the Terms of Use for this site or another contract
  • To affiliated Pearson companies and other companies and organizations who perform work for Pearson and are obligated to protect the privacy of personal information consistent with this Privacy Notice
  • To a school, organization, company or government agency, where Pearson collects or processes the personal information in a school setting or on behalf of such organization, company or government agency.

Links


This web site contains links to other sites. Please be aware that we are not responsible for the privacy practices of such other sites. We encourage our users to be aware when they leave our site and to read the privacy statements of each and every web site that collects Personal Information. This privacy statement applies solely to information collected by this web site.

Requests and Contact


Please contact us about this Privacy Notice or if you have any requests or questions relating to the privacy of your personal information.

Changes to this Privacy Notice


We may revise this Privacy Notice through an updated posting. We will identify the effective date of the revision in the posting. Often, updates are made to provide greater clarity or to comply with changes in regulatory requirements. If the updates involve material changes to the collection, protection, use or disclosure of Personal Information, Pearson will provide notice of the change through a conspicuous notice on this site or other appropriate way. Continued use of the site after the effective date of a posted revision evidences acceptance. Please contact us if you have questions or concerns about the Privacy Notice or any objection to any revisions.

Last Update: November 17, 2020