Accompanying CD-ROM contains source and published files for examples in the book, demo copy of Flash MX for Windows and Macintosh, Flash Player for your browser, and web links to Flash resource sites.

* Learn the new, powerful features in the new release of Flash. Covers all new areas of extensibility: commands, tools, timeline effects, behaviors, and advanced topics. This book will allow you to streamline day-to-day development by showing you how to custom-build your own commands and tools. Plenty of useful examples are included throughout to demonstrate each area. * Two books in one: first part will actually get the person to understand and be able to use the Extensibility features, not just copy and paste the code in the book, but have a conceptual understanding of how it works and be able to create their own extensions. The second part of the book will be a complete reference guide, that one will want to keep around to look up commands, syntax, parameters, etc. * At this time, it’s the only book covering the subject, and this book actually covers extensibility in both Flash MX 2004 and Flash MX Professional 2004. * The reference content and example files will be available from the book’s companion site, www.flashextensibility.com – this site aims to be the premier site for designers and developers to go to for Flash extensibility material.

This is a comprehensive introduction to Macromedia Flash, combined with special beginning-level coverage of ActionScript, Flash's native programming language.

Sure, you can use Flash MX 2004 without being a master programmer, but as any Flash developer worth his or her salt will tell you, you're not tapping all of its power unless you're taking advantage of its scripting language "ActionScript 2.0" which offers a more robust programming model and better object-oriented programming support than ever before. Here to take the fear factor out of learning it are Flash veterans and best-selling authors Derek Franklin and Jobe Makar, who demonstrate that scripting is an instinctual process you already know by translating real-life activities into ActionScript scripts. In these pages, you'll find methodologies and techniques for building over 40 real-life Flash ActionScript projects, including sample games, --- applications, Web sites, and more. New in this edition are coverage of ActionScript 2.0, Web services, Components, Printing, Video, and more. On the companion CD, you'll find all the project files and images you need to complete each project.

Offering readers a fast, visual way to learn Flash MX, solve problems, and get work done, this guide's step-by-step instructions with accompanying visuals require less time reading and free more time for learning this popular Web authoring software. The new features icon highlights what is new in Flash MX as readers learn to perform everyday tasks.

Step-by-step techniques, illustrated with highly visual examples throughout the book, show you how to build up your ActionScripting skills quickly and effectively. A support website (www.sprite.net/understanding) provides all the content you need to try out the techniques shown in the book for yourself. Ideal for those studying multimedia and information technology and anyone who wants to produce highly effective online interactive content. This guide gives you all you need to ensure you have a firm foundation of knowledge on how to use ActionScript creatively so you can produce professional results.