Introducing actionscript - Using event handlers - Understanding target paths - Understanding and using objects - Using functions - Customizing objects - Using dynamic data - Manipulating data - Using conditional logic - Automating scripts with loops - Getting data in and out of flash - Using XML with flash - Validating and formatting data - Controlling movie clips dynamically - Time-and frame-based dynamism - Scripting for sound - Loading external assets.

Thoroughly updated to cover the new version of Macromedia Flash - Flash MX - this second edition builds on the strengths of the original book while incorporating changes from this major revision of the software.

This text shows the reader how to tap into the power of Flash MX by learning how and when to employ ActionScripting. The book is structured in two parts. The first section explores the general programming theory and how it applies to Flash. It then progresses through more complex Flash ActionScripting applications.

Flash MX developers who need instant on-the job reminders about the ActionScript language will find O'Reilly's new ActionScript for Flash MX Pocket Reference to be the ideal solution. This concise and easy-to-use reference is the portable companion to the Flash coder's essential resource, ActionScript for Flash MX: The Definitive Guide by Colin Moock. Completely up-to-date, including methods and properties added in the latest Flash Player, it is the indispensable quick reference for ActionScript programmers.The ActionScript for Flash MX Pocket Reference provides a complete summary of ActionScript, Flash MX's object-oriented programming language, covering the core objects' and classes' methods and properties. Also covered are ActionScript's global properties, global functions, operators, statements, keywords, and directives. This compact book also includes an excellent summary of ActionScript syntax and best practices, covering datatypes, variables, loops, conditionals, identifiers, event handling, and object-oriented programming in short order. For programmers coming from other languages, it offers a quick orientation to the most common Flash elements and operations including Movie Clips, loading and drawing graphics, text manipulation, data transfers, and XML parsing.O'Reilly's Pocket References have become a favorite among developers everywhere. By providing a wealth of important details in a concise, well-organized format, these handy books deliver just what you need to complete the task at hand. When you've reached a sticking point and need to get to the answer quickly, the new ActionScript for Flash MX Pocket Reference is the book you'll want close by.

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.

Anyone with moderate Macromedia Flash experience who is looking to acquire or improve their understanding of ActionScript will find this book a valuable resource. For this edition, the author has updated the games from the previous edition and has added several new projects.

Provides in-depth information to the more than one million Flash developers who want to take their animations to the next level using sophisticated interaction and data-driven content Flash ActionScript is an object-oriented scripting language used with Flash that allows the designer to control a movie in non-linear fashion, create sophisticated interactivity, control elements on the stage, collect and track input from the movie viewer, and exchange and manipulate data from external sources The most comprehensive Flash ActionScript guide available, cowritten by Robert Reinhardt, coauthor of Macromedia Flash MX 2004 Bible (0-7645-4303-2) Published to coincide with the release of Flash "X," the newest version of this widely used Web development tool