Book Description
ActionScript 3.0 is a huge upgrade to Flash's programming language. The enhancements to ActionScript's performance, feature set, ease of use, cleanliness, and sophistication are considerable.
Essential ActionScript 3.0 focuses on the core language and object-oriented programming, along with the Flash Player API.
Essential ActionScript has become the #1 resource for the Flash and ActionScript development community, and the reason is the author, Colin Moock. Many people even refer to it simply as "The Colin Moock book."
And for good reason: No one is better at turning ActionScript inside out, learning its nuances and capabilities, and then explaining everything in such an accessible way. Colin Moock is not just a talented programmer and technologist; he's also a gifted teacher.
Essential ActionScript 3.0 is a radically overhauled update to
Essential ActionScript 2.0. True to its roots, the book once again focuses on the core language and object-oriented programming, but also adds a deep look at the centerpiece of Flash Player's new API: display programming. Enjoy hundreds of brand new pages covering exciting new language features, such as the DOM-based event architecture, E4X, and namespaces--all brimming with real-world sample code.
The ActionScript 3.0 revolution is here, and
Essential ActionScript 3.0's steady hand is waiting to guide you through it.
Adobe Developer Library is a co-publishing partnership between O'Reilly Media and Adobe Systems, Inc. and is designed to produce the number one information resources for developers who use Adobe technologies. Created in 2006, the Adobe Developer Library is the official source for comprehensive learning solutions to help developers create expressive and interactive web applications that can reach virtually anyone on any platform. With top-notch books and innovative online resources covering the latest in rich Internet application development, the Adobe Developer Library offers expert training and in-depth resources, straight from the source.
Customer Reviews:
Well beyond the essentials.......2007-09-18
I've been getting deeper into "Essential ActionScript 3.0" and I'm amazed at the thoroughness of this book. I was first introduced to Colin's writing with "ActionScript for Flash MX, the Definitive Guide". I'd just came from two years of teaching Java for Sun Microsystems and loved the way he handled explanations in the book, often he'd even compare AS to Java and go deep in the details. With AS3, we finally have language rivaling Java, and (IMO) a better set of APIs.
The amount of information is stunning, it boggles the mind. Colin covers AS3 in more detail, with better explanations, and a better grasp of the subject than the Adobe documentation. If you are programming in AS3, this book is must. I don't think you could get the most out of AS3 programming without it, or maybe you could but it would take quite a bit longer!
A side-effect of this book is the shear size of it gives you an idea of the depth of the subject matter. AS3 is an object-oriented programming language and framework, not just a scripting language.
I just have two minor criticisms (which by no means affects my recommendation of this book). The first is that he covers a ton of material in the beginning but does not have the reader compile until chapter 7 (page 130). AS3 is so much fun in how easy it makes graphics programming, that I feel he could teach the first six chapters more effectively if he had the user compiling and running examples along the way (even simple examples). My second is one that is probably just my own pet peeve... at the end of each chapter he has a paragraph about the next chapter, it's distracting to me, I'd rather read about the stuff in the next chapter in the next chapter.
This is a well-organized, clearly written book, with great examples throughout. If you are coming to AS3, this book should be within arms reach if not already sitting open on your desk.
Great primer!.......2007-09-17
Coming from a java and javascript programming background I found this book very informative and easy to learn. This book is a must-have if you are new to AS3 and also if you want to learn FLEX 2. I highly recommend this book for beginners who wants to learn AS3 programming language.
Not for the young at heart.......2007-09-11
Great reference. But if you are still learning, get another text with this one to guide you along.
Anyone Seeking Clarity Beware..........2007-09-06
After jumping on the bandwagon after reading the first few chapters of this book and feeling flushed with geeky euphoria, I have to rerate this book as "DO NOT BUY."
Unfortunately, some of the sophistry of Essential AS 2.0 emerges with remorseless abandon in this book which is choked full of sophistry and excessive erudition that serves nobody. Take this passage:
"object.instanceVariable = value
In the preceding code, object[italics] is the object whose instance variable will be assigned a value, instanceVariable[italics] is one of object's instance variables (as defined by object's class), and value[italics] is the value to assign."
The book italicizes the words noted in italics above but this notation does little to detangle the tautologies that explain nothing and confuse everything. Only seasoned coders versed in coding terminology such as "object" will understand the sentence and then only vaguely. Obviously, the first directive to coders, KISS, was lost on this exhaustive book. After all, couldn't Moock have written that explanation with more clarity? Passage like the above are replete throughout the book.
Here is another statement that a good publisher would have demanded rewriting:
Via the scope chain, code in an instance method's scope can access these definitions:
*
All definitions available to code in the global scope
*
All definitions available to code in the scope of the class containing the instance method definition
Isn't the second point circular? It's basically saying that instance methods can access code that is accessible by instance methods. This writing is AWFUL. Sorry to see this series which was the ActionScript franchise deteriorate into such a cesspool of unnecessary and foul erudition.
This book has approached cult status among the AS community and there is some basis for the vast anticipation of this book given EAS2. However, the laudatory reviews on Amazon are vastly overrated. This is a poorly written, poorly structured, and at times mysteriously erroneous book.
I can't change the star rating given before this update but a warning to everyone: when a book is more difficult to understand than the underlying substance it purports to explains, BEWARE. 0-Zero stars because so many trees feel to publish this book. I withdraw my recommendation and recommend everyone to read Essential AS2 first, then update your AS 3 by skimming through this book but wait for something more reader friendly. There is no satisfaction in pondering the complexities of this book like there is on Heidegger's notion of being.
An invaluable reference........2007-09-06
ESSENTIAL ACTIONSCRIPT 3.0 by Colin Moock is for advanced programming libraries and for ActionScript web developers who seek a detailed reference on the topic. ActionScript 3.0 is a major upgrade to Flash programming: it's faster and more sophisticated and requires a deeper level of understanding - offered up by ESSENTIAL ACTIONSCRIPT 3.0 alone, making for an invaluable reference.
Product Description
ActionScript 2.0 is a powerful scripting language that allows you to create complex and highly interactive Flash applications. In
ActionScript 2.0 Essential Training, Joey Lott will teach you the essential skills and reveal the insider information you need to begin developing Flash applications. The training begins with an overview of programming terms and concepts used in ActionScript such as datatypes, variables, expressions and operators, switch statements, arrays, functions, etc., and then quickly moves on to show apply the concepts using practical examples. While this training title was recorded in the Flash MX 2004 interface, it is appropriate for users of Flash 8 as well. Exercise files accompany the tutorial, allowing you to follow along and learn at your own pace.
Topics Include:
- The work environment
- Datatypes and variables
- Expressions
- Variables
- Objects
- Arrays
- Movie clips
- Buttons
- CSS in Flash
- Sound
- Video in Flash
Duration: 10 hoursOn 1 CD-ROM
Customer Reviews:
Quick Way to Learn!.......2005-12-11
Honestly, before reviewing this CD, I was a little skeptical about using CDs to learn something like Actionscript. I felt that I would probably need to invest in some good reference books and take a class at a local training center.
I was very surprised how well put together I found the CD. I was familiar with Joey Lott's written work like the Macromedia Flash MX 2004 ActionScript Bible and Complete Flash Remoting MX. However, I had never used any other material from him before.
The CD interface was easy to navigate. You can rewind, fast forward, stop and other features. The most valuable feature I found though, was actually the pause feature.
Once I would watch the instruction, I would pause it, minimize (resize) and try it right then on Flash MX 2004. This helped reinforce my learning, as well as, prove to me I could do it.
Lott's examples and techniques were easy to understand and follow.
If you are not the "book learning-type person," or like me, you just don't always have the time to read a 1,000 page book, try the line of CDs from (...)
Loren is also the Group Manager of D-MAG.org, the Digital Media Artists Group in Lexington, KY.
Customer Reviews:
Essentilas for Design Macromedia Flash Level 1.......2007-09-27
The book is accurate, but a little hard to find exactly what you need. Very linear, for example to do a beginner level project I had to go to several later chapters in the book for help. I still used the Flash help menu and found it to be more helpful with specific questions. This book is helpful with sample files - but you can also see those by going online . . . Overall I will continue to use the Essentilas line because it is consistently the best I've found.
Book Description
As a creative professional or interactive developer, you'll be amazed at the exciting possibilities presented to you by the new features available in Flash 8; but as a busy designer, we know you wont have as much time as you'd like to explore these new additions. Never fearthis book wastes no time looking at timeline basics, tweens, or movie-publishing optionsit focuses exclusively on the new Flash 8 features, getting you quickly up to speed with a combination of illustrative tutorials, handy references, and inspirational examples. In this book, you'll learn how to
- Benefit from exciting new pixel-level control with the new BitmapData API
- Create stunning visual effects with filters and blend modes
- Add interactive video quickly and easily using cue points, video alpha channel support, and the industry-leading On2 VP6 codec
- Take advantage of speed enhancements with bitmap caching
- Communicate easily with browsers using the new ExternalInterface class
- Add support for uploading images directly from Flash 8 with the new File Reference class
- Take advantage of the new text field and drawing improvements
By the end of the book, you'll know that there's no shortage of new tools to enhance and inspire your Flash development; and since this book is written by some of the community's leading Flash experts, you'll know you're in good hands. If youre looking to master Flash 8 with a minimum of time and effort, then this is the only book for you. Summary of Contents:
- Flash 8 Overview
- Blending Modes
- Filters
- Drawing and Graphic Improvements
- Video: Alpha Channels and Other Improvements
- TextField Improvements
- Speed Improvements
- The Wonderful World of BitmapData
- Getting Creative with Filters, Masks, and Animation
- External Interface
- Flash 8 Examples
Customer Reviews:
Very Good.. Get up to speed on Flash 8.......2006-07-25
This book is good for experienced flashers who want to play around with all of Flash 8 cool new features. Shows you how to use the new filters and blends in both the IDE and actionscript. Full color examples and useful sample code.
Definetly pick this one up if you want to exploit the power of Flash 8.
Essential for Flash 8 users.......2006-04-17
I just got into Flash and after reading Phillip Kerman's Flash 8 in 24 Hrs, i really wanted to get even more into it. This book is for me like the title reads "Essential". The explanations and lessons are fantastic and eye opening. This book will be on my desk at all times as i journey though the fantastic world of Flash 8 Pro!
The Missing Upgrade Manual for Flash 8.......2006-02-24
With Flash 8, Macromedia (now Adobe) gave veteran Flash Developers a wealth of new creative options to explore. Many of the features, while clearly powerful, are not intuitive to use. This fact is primarily due to the inherent complexity of the new tools. Filters and gradient focal points are not as easy to figure out as the basic timeline and drawing tools. And trial and error is simply not going to lead you to a solid of understanding of how to use External Interface to communicate with JavaScript, or what the Cache As Bitmap setting does. Unfortunately, the documentation within Flash is a bit thin so most users have to resort to scouring the internet for tutorials and tips.
This is where Flash 8 Essentials comes to the rescue. The book provides documentation of all the new features in Flash 8 (and only Flash 8). This is not a Flash for Beginners book. It is targeted squarely at experienced Flash artists and programmers who want to tap the power of the new features. A better title for the book would have been "What's New In Flash 8".
Each chapter focuses on a particular feature, and there is little overlap, so you can jump around to the parts that are most pertinent to you. Chapters are organized with the less technical information at the start, and more complicated bits, including the ActionScript, at the end. In this way, the book can be useful to both artists and developers, and it's easy to figure out where to go for the information you need.
I was a bit leery at first, when I saw there were 6 authors attached to the book. Fortunately, the editors at FriendsOfEd successfully pulled the content together, and made it feel consistent. I also tend to avoid computer books like this one with lots of pretty color pictures. However, in this case, I feel the color is a necessary component of the book because pictures are the best way to demonstrate different filters and blending modes. And I have to admit it's definitely a nice-looking book.
If there's one part that feels thin, it's the chapter on Video. I still don't have a solid understanding of the "new ON2 VP6 codec", (though the authors dropped this buzzword many times). Granted, Flash Video probably deserves a book of its own...
In short, Flash 8 Essentials serves as a manual for veteran Flash developers who want to get up do speed on the new version. It's too bad the software makers no longer ship adequate documentation with their products, but I suppose we should be glad that companies like FriendsOfEd are around to fill the void. Adobe would do well to include a copy of this book with every upgrade version of Flash they sold.
Disclaimer: I was given a free copy of this book for review.
Why reviews for this book are so long.......2006-02-23
Notice how long the reviews for this book are? Why?
Because this book is fabulous, not just good, and it is filled with an impressive array of really useful material.
As one who is self taught in flash, books are my instructors and this one is great.
It gets right to the point with exactly the stuff you wanna know, which is, what is new in Flash 8.
This book clearly and methodically explains it all, chapter by chapter.
It is NOT a sequential build-a-project step by step book.
You can jump in at any point.
If you want to know about the new bitmap data class just read Chapter 8. Blending modes? Chapter 2. The on2VP6 codec or the new video alpha channel support? Chapter 5.
And if you don't want to be in the dark about the new filters, just read chapter 3.
Simple as that. This book gives an excellent description with lots of pictures demonstrating visually what does what. Considering the complex subject matter, this book is amazingly easy to take in.
The tutorials included in the chapters are both facinating and fun. At the end of the book there are 3 examples to help you get indoctrinated to the new elements of Flash that this book has laid out. You can download the fla's from friendsofed.com. They are well chosen and well thought out.
The action script used throughout the book is navigable, makes sense and is logical.
Sweet! I can understand what it means, thanks to the fine work of the authors. That is what really makes this book so special, here you have 6 different authors each with great presentations.
I originally borrowed this book from my Flash user group library but now that I have to return it, I realize I can't live without it so I'm here to buy it. It can be excellent for use as a reference book after you read it. I highly recomend this book.
Comprehensive Overview.......2006-01-10
I recently finished reading Flash 8 Essentials, and have found it to be an excellent resource for anyone looking to jump with both feet into the complex world of Flash design. The contributing authors are some of the biggest names in Flash design today. There is so much packed into this book that I am only going to be able to touch briefly on most of the highlights. Of the many new features available in Flash 8, here are the ones I found most exciting:
* Search Engine Compatibility
* Graphics Effects Filters
* On2 VP6 Video Codec
* Improved Text Rendering
* Bitmap Caching
Each of these topics is covered at length throughout the book. What's especially nice is that source code for each example can be downloaded from the website. You don't need to have purchased the book to use these code examples, but they will of course make better sense when accompanied by the text. Without further ado, here is why each of these improvements really matters...
ch.1 - Search Engine Compatibility
This book refers to this momentarily, but I thought it important to mention. One of the biggest complaints against Flash is its lack of accessibility, and implicitly its lack of search engine friendliness. These issues have been put to rest with Flash 8, because it now supports using a version of XML entitled XMP, which stands for Extensible Metadata Platform. In short, this means that Flash can now comply with W3C standards for information accessibility.
This metadata could probably double for usage in subtitles, to aid in viewing Flash movies for those who have hearing impairments. For a good example of this in action, check out the Making of Flash 8. Throughout the video, by using various keypoints the way one would index DVD chapters, there are changes in the text displayed along the bottom of the screen.
Stored as metadata, this could be indexed by Google, and would increase page relevance for the topics covered throughout the video. I never thought the day would come that I would use the word accessibility in reference to Flash, but I think that if designers pick up on this, it will be beneficial to the hearing impaired, as well as your clients. It's smart on both sides of the argument.
ch.3 - Graphics Effects Filters
In the past, if you wanted to have an effect added to something in your animation, it was not an easy thing to do. For instance, if you wanted to include a drop-shadow, you would have to make it ahead of time in a graphics program, and then import it as a layer into your SWF file. Flash 8 though, can create drop-shadow effects from within the player. These effects can even be created live via ActionScript, Flash's language similar in syntax to JavaScript.
In fact, all effects and filters can be manipulated via ActionScript. These include the following blending modes: Normal, Darken, Multiply, Lighten, Screen, Overlay, Hard Light, Add, Subtract, Difference, Invert, Layer, Alpha and Erase. Various available effects are: Drop Shadow, Blur, Glow, Bevel, Gradient Glow / Bevel, Adjust Color / Matrix, Displacement Map and Convolution.
Photoshop users will no doubt recognize many of those, and immediately realize the benefit of being able to call these into effect during runtime rather than constantly importing multiple PNG images. If those don't sound familiar then buy the book. I can't just give away everything - This ain't no hand-out!
ch.5 - On2 VP6 Video Codec
Another thing I'm all fired up about is Flash's great new handling of video. Gone is the trusty Sorensen Spark codec, although it still remains as a legacy option. This paves the way for the new On2 VP6 Codec. On2 codecs are also being used in other popular products such as the new Skype video beta.
What this means for Flash is new support for alpha channels within video. For instance, in the fight between Anakin and Obi-Wan in Star Wars Episode III, very little of the surrounding environment were actual props or movie set. Most of it was shot against a green screen, after which the green areas were replaced with digital enhancement. This is now possible to do with Flash.
Also new are the embedded cue points, making subtitles via XML a possibility. Also, with Flash 8 Professional there is a stand-alone video encoder which allows for massive batch file processing. So, if you are a video guru and work in Quicktime format all day, and need to convert many of those MOV over to FLV files, you can batch convert them all overnight, rather than one by one.
ch.6 - Improved Text Rendering
A huge complaint of Flash has always been that text below a certain point size, depending on the font, becomes nearly unreadable. To get around this, many designers would purchase pixel fonts made especially for small scale display. Communities such as Fonts for Flash arose to compensate for this deficiency.
Printed text aficionados can rejoice, because Flash text rendering just got a huge shot in the arm. It's called Saffron, a technology that has been licensed from Mitsubishi Electric Research Labs. It works similarly to Microsoft's ClearType in Windows XP, or the native font smoothing of Apple OSX. Flash pushes Saffron to the edge, with several modes for readability, animation or even custom settings. It nearly allows for creating entirely new font faces.
ch.7 - Bitmap Caching
In the past, if you had multiple vector shapes viewable at once, the Flash player would have to render each and every animation on the fly, increasing strain on the CPU with each additional graphic. Version 8 though, allows for caching of shapes that might animate, but not change. For instance, if a square-shaped object is moving but not rotating, it can be cached as a bitmap.
If it were to rotate slightly, then the rendering engine would need to redraw it, after which it could be cached again as a bitmap until the next rotation. You can think of it this way: Distortions such as rotation, changes in opacity, and zooming - all require re-drawing. Simple things like moving an object from left to right can be cached. This allows Flash Player 8 to be the fastest ever. It should be noted though, that caching should be enabled wisely, because if you are constantly misusing it, it actually increases strain on computer hardware.
Summary: If you're looking for a great place to get a handle on the new improvements in Flash 8, this book is for you. If you don't have a background in previous versions such as MX 2004, you might want to consider Foundation Flash 8, which covers more of the basics.
Product Description
Instructor Joey Lott is known for his expertise in Flash, ActionScript, ColdFusion, Java, MySQL, XML, and more. In
ActionScript 3.0 in Flex Builder Essential Training, he puts some of that knowledge to work, first explaining what's new with ActionScript 3.0, then demonstrating the program's important capabilities. From working with variables, to understanding and applying functions, to creating practical applications (as well as a few fun ones), you'll be exposed to all the powerful and practical features of ActionScript 3.0. Exercise files accompany the tutorial, allowing you to follow along and learn at your own pace.
Product Description
Flash Professional 8 Essential Training with Shane Rebenschied teaches new users how to use the drawing tools, swatches, and color panels in Flash 8. The course walks learners through animation processes, and how to integrate type, graphics, audio, and video. Shane teaches you how to use ActionScript for common projects such as creating slide shows, pop-up menus, and scrolling text. The training ends with instruction on how to publish to the Web or CD-ROM.
Customer Reviews:
The right way to learn Flash.......2006-09-09
For every kind of learning experience nothing beats having a "live" teacher illustrating the subject matter with his voice and actions, but this is even more important for learning a "visual" software tool like Flash. Learning Flash is not much about absorbing deep and intricated concepts that a well written book could expose at best, but mostly about learning to DO things, like drawing, or using the various capabilities the software has to offer. Books are nice & useful, but it's quite painful having to read pages of text just to know where the lasso tool is, and what it does. As next best thing to being in a classroom with an experienced teacher, comes having a series of video tutorials like in this title. And I have to say Shane Rebenschied has done an outstanding job. You can feel he knows what he is talking about, but at the same time he shows infinite clarity and patience (which is not true for example, for 3DMax guru George Maestri). I teach for a living so take my word on this: Shane is a kick ass teacher. Just let me point out that this title is really about the basics...the interface and main tools, drawing, symbols, graphics, animation, shape and motion tweens, text, button, movie clips, and a little bit of actionscript to give you basic control over your movie clips. At the end of this title you will be able to build simple movies like slide shows or basic animations , even add a preloader bar, create a dynamic menubar but you won't be nowhere near to building your own website. You will anyway get a solid and really painless intro to Flash foundations. My only gripe is about the outrageous price.. 140 bucks for 2 CD when an equivalente book would cost about $40?
The video course should cost LESS since you are even saving paper (and trees).
Once again Shane has made learning fun..........2006-01-31
I am already a Flash user but I picked up this title anyway because I always learn so much from Shane and knew he would help me learn all I need to know about this new version of Flash.
Once again he made it simple and fun to learn. I came away knowing so much about this new version and had absolutely NO issues moving my projects and working in Flash 8.
His instruction was clear and to the point with detailed yet easy examples and fun exercises. You will not find yourself doing a lot of backtracking or spending a lot of time going over the same movie tutorial trying to "get it". You will move through lessons smoothly and come away feeling comfortable diving into Flash 8.
I highly recommend this title.
Average customer rating:
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Essentials for Design: Flash 8 Level 1, Student Edition
Ferguson
Manufacturer: Not Avail
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Spiral-bound
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ASIN: 0132385376 |
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