Learning ActionScript 3.0: A Beginner's Guide

I came 2 this book as a designer interested in learning a little something about ActionScript 2 help my design work. As result of reading this book I'm spending my free time writing ActionScript.

When I can read a technical book without getting tense or confused, it's a terrific success. The writing is clear & the examples the author chose open up lots of possibilities 4 projects. I consider myself lucky 4 finding this book 2 learn ActionScript.

I think the book does a great job explaining all of the intricate details of OOP 4 experienced Actionscript users. I have used AS2 4 a long time & I was very frustrated how so much had changed in AS3 & I never seemed 2 find a good book 2 explain each change. This book does that & more.

In addition 2 spelling out the advantages of using AS3 & OOP in general, it even takes things a step further by actually DEFINING programming design methodologies that are using in most development based work environments (i.e. Agile, XP, Waterfall, etc.). You know, all of those acronyms & other garbage that people through into job descriptions 2 intimidate newbies.

I'm inclined 2 agree that this book may not be suited 4 beginners 2 Actionscript, I would strongly recommend that anyone who is learning AS 4 the first time should grab a beginner's book (maybe a cheap one) & then use this as your professional reference guide. Everything is categorized & color coded 4 you: Need 2 attach a sound? Chpt. 13. Need 2 read XML? Chpt. 14

john

This book is great. I am starting off with AS 3.0 & its a great reference. I feel though sometimes it gets too complicated. Also it does not have many pictures, but the good thing is that the code is color coded. According 2 my professor who is very into finding books, its the best one out there 4 AS. I haven;t had a ton of time 2 look through the book yet, but so far what I see is helpful, just a really boring read.

I'm starting from scratch 2 learn Flash AS 3 & this book seems 2 be a very good starting point. I haven't read it through yet, but it's yet been very understandable & there's not too much technical jargon (I have 5+ years of PHP-coding 2 start with).

I have worked with Action Script in the past on many projects but I never took advantage of the real programming capabilities that Action Script 3 has 2 offers, so I wanted 2 find a book 2 help me take the next step & this is the one. I got this book & I was immediately hooked because it was written in a way that makes you feel comfortable & relaxed instead of intimidated.

This book offers simple easy 2 understand tutorials accompanied with the basic start files already designed so that you can focus on the programming.

If your looking 4 a great book 4 beginning or intermediate Action Script 3 porgramming then this is the one 4 you.

Product Description
In this book, authors Rich Shupe & Zevan Rosser share the knowledge they've gained from their years as multimedia developers/designers & teachers. Learning ActionScript 3.0 gives you a solid foundation in the language of Flash & demonstrates how you can use it 4 practical, everyday projects. The authors do more than just give you a collection of sample scripts. Written 4 those of you new 2 ActionScript 3.0, the book describes how ActionScript & Flash work, giving you a clear look into essential topics such as logic, event handling, displaying content, migrating legacy projects 2 ActionScript 3.0, classes, & much more. You will learn important techniques through hands-on exercises, & then build on those skills as chapters progress. ActionScript 3.0 represents a significant change 4 many Flash users, & a steeper learning curve 4 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 4 those already comfortable with their use. As chapters progress, the book introduces more & more OOP techniques, allowing you 2 choose which scripting approach you prefer. Learning ActionScript 3.0 reveals: New ways 2 harness the power & performance of AS3 Common mistakes that people make with the language Essential coverage of text, sound, video, XML, drawing with code, & more Migration issues from AS1 & AS2 2 AS3 Simultaneous development of procedural & object-oriented techniques Tips that go beyond simple script collections, including how toapproach a project & which resources can help you along the way The companion web site contains material 4 all the exercises in the book, as well as short quizzes 2 make sure you're up 2 speed with key concepts. ActionScript 3.0 is a different animal from previous versions, & Learning ActionScript 3.0 teaches everything that web designers, GUI-based Flash developers, & those new 2 ActionScript need 2 start using the language.

Praise
"The best ActionScript book ever written."
-Lee Brimelow, Creator of The Flash Blog