Flash MX for Interactive Simulation (Macromedia Flash) [Paperback]

Jonathan Kaye (Author), David Castillo (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 1401812910 | ISBN-13: 978-1401812911 | Publication Date: November 18, 2002 | Edition: 1

Together with its CD-ROM and companion Web site, Flash MX for Interactive Product Simulation (www.FlashSim.com) is the first definitive package designed to lead readers to success in using Flash MX to deliver interactive product simulations for use in online- and CD-ROM-based training, promotion and prototyping. Flash MX for Interactive Product Simulation teaches a proven methodology for streamlining the planning, design, and implementation of realistic device simulations. Practical, step-by-step examples and working simulators demonstrate how to apply this methodology to the construction of a variety of devices, from cell phones to cranes. This tried-and-true approach will guide even the most complicated simulation project to a successful conclusion. Readers will find that their simulations are easier to program, maintain, and upgrade. The book even includes an extensive starter toolkit of interfaces objects (such as dials, gauges, timers, and knobs), implemented as Flash MX Components, that can be reused by readers in their own simulation projects.

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

This is THE source for information about simulations using Flash. This book is written by two experts in both Flash development as well as training and simulation, and covers new Flash MX features and functions. Their tried-and-true project management method is guaranteed to guide even the most complicated simulation project to a successful conclusion.

From the Author

One of the hottest new features in Flash MX is the Component. Several books will teach you how to build components, and if you’re satisfied with making a couple of toy examples, then those books will be fine for you. However, Flash MX for Interactive Product Simulation goes well beyond this, to teach you a proven methodology, based on UML, to coordinate your whole user interface and to scale your designs for even the most complex device.

Using this methodology, your simulations will be easier to program, maintain, and upgrade. What’s more, our book gives you sound instructional techniques for developing performance-based training, techniques that save you development time and make your simulations most effective in the hands of e-learners. You can program a simulation without reading this book, but we don’t recommend it!

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 400 pages
• Publisher: OnWord Press; 1 edition (November 18, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1401812910
• ISBN-13: 978-1401812911
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 7.3 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,706,459 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

20 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The book to purchase for serious programming, January 4, 2003

By 

Larry Fortna (Leesburg, Florida) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Flash MX for Interactive Simulation (Macromedia Flash) (Paperback)

FlashMX for Interactive Simulation by Jonathan Kaye and David Castillo is one of the most informative books I have read in quite a while. Don't expect this to be a light read however.

While the book was written primarily to teach you how to program Flash Device Simulations, it touches on many other facets of Flash design that are worthy of mention such as the use of Flash for educational instruction, usability testing, component design and much much more.

This book and the software provided on the CD ROM will allow you to add structure to your actionscript programming and will allow you to create complex applications that are predictable and easy to troubleshoot and maintain after the fact.

This book introduces UML state machine design into the Flash programming environment allowing complex applications to be easily developed that would otherwise have been very difficult.

Because the state machine provides a structured approach to your design, it is predictable and more important, maintainable. Documenting your design using state charts allows others to test your application which is great for large projects where many people are involved with the various phases of the project.

The state machine engine is provided on the CD ROM. This alone is worth the price of the book, not to mention all of the other goodies packed on the CD.

If you like to learn by example, the CD contains plenty of great working samples that show you how it is done. Each example is covered in detail in the book so you can either learn by doing from scratch or use the book and examples as a reference.

This is must have book if you are going to do any serious programming in Flash...

Larry Fortna, President
realatour.com - a division of Flash Solutions, LLC

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Be ready for a challenge., February 24, 2003

By 

John B (Spain) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Flash MX for Interactive Simulation (Macromedia Flash) (Paperback)

Anyone who has a complex Flash project that involves more than a few `states' will find this book very interesting.

If you have a project that involves simulating something and you are thinking of using Macromedia Flash or even just wondering if Flash is up to the job, order this book now. It will save you days and I mean days of work on a simulation project and when the amends come in, it will again save you from ripping your hair out.

It doesn't come for free though, you will, unless your brain is very big, have to work at this book. Unlike many other IT books it's nearly all lean meat without the fat, miss a few vital paragraphs and you could find yourself confused further on. You will also probably find you will have to do some support reading to make sure you are up to speed on some of the topics that are assumed.

If you get stuck, don't fear, as there is an excellent support website for the book, if you post a question on the discussion board, you will most likely get an answer from the authors of the book in 24hrs.

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent, Insightful and a Must-Read for MX Developers, March 9, 2003

By 

Brian Klaas (Reisterstown, MD United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Flash MX for Interactive Simulation (Macromedia Flash) (Paperback)

Jonathan Kaye and his collaborators know simulations and simulation building, and it shows in this book. A thoughtful, very deep look at machine simulation building and the state engines which power any good machine simulation, "Flash MX for Interactive Simulation" is not a light read. Anyone designing educational simulations in Flash MX must read this book. You may not run out and start desiging all of your simulations with his state engine (because it's complex and resource intensive to integrate into your production practice), but you'll be a much better simulation developer -- or ActionScript developer, for that matter -- for having read the book.