ActionScripting in Flash First Edition

There's even deliberately bad code here. In a very novel chapter, the book challenges readers to fix 10 faulty Flash files, offering first a clue and then the solution. Since so much of real-life work, particularly in animation applications like Flash, is spent debugging and finding one's way out of a seemingly dead end, this chapter is really valuable. (By going to phillipkerman.com, you can view a detailed description of all chapters, download selected ones in .pdf format, view all completed Flash animations, and download all the .fla files to work alongside the text.)

Another advantage is Kerman's own teaching style. Using many metaphors, he describes how the pieces of script work in a way that is often clearer than mere definition of function, and definitely easier to remember. For example, "If you think of most variables as an empty whiteboard onto which you can write a value, an array is like a whiteboard with permanent horizontal lines separating many pieces of information." It's true that one can copy code and instantly get results, but to devise and debug your own requires the kind of internalized understanding one can get from working through this book. --Angelynn Grant

The first half of the book will give you a solid foundation so you understand how to program in Flash. Many examples are interspersed, but you won't need to follow along with Flash running (though you may often feel like going off to try things when inspired). The second half is broken into 21 practical workshops where you can apply what you learned in the first half. These tutorials are designed not so much as examples of "perfect code"--rather, solutions are worked out through a true-to-life process. For example, sometimes I purposely guide readers down the wrong path so that we can work out the solutions. That way, you will be able identify problems and work out solutions for real projects you encounter on your own.

This book definitely does not shy away from advanced topics, but it isn’t an exhaustive reference to every detail in the ActionScript language either. That’s not what this book is about. It’s about giving you the skills so that you can apply any idea you have to Flash. When you’re equipped with the knowledge I cover, you’ll be able to meet any challenge. It might involve researching an esoteric formula for physics or applying a unique math calculation. If that means you have to research a specific topic, this book will give you the skills to figure out how to apply it to Flash. Think of this book as a bridge that will take you from "Flash user" to "ActionScript programmer".

Phillip Kerman is an independent programmer, teacher, and writer specializing in Macromedia products. His degree in Imaging and Photographic Technology from the Rochester Institute of Technology was earned back when "multimedia" had a different meaning than today. One of Phillip's internships, for example, involved programming multiple slide projector presentations with dissolves synchronized to a sound track-the multimedia of the 1980s. In 1993, he found Macromedia Authorware a natural fit for his interest and skills. After getting his start at The Human Element, Inc., he moved back to Portland, Oregon to work on his own.

Phillip has transitioned his expertise from Authorware to Director, and now, to Flash. Over seven years, he has had to adapt to a total of 13 version upgrades-Flash 5 being the most significant of them all! In addition to retooling and building his own skills, Phillip finds teaching the biggest challenge. He has trained and made presentations around the world, in such exotic locations as Reykjavik, Iceland; Melbourne, Australia; Amsterdam, Holland; and McAlester, Oklahoma. He wrote Sams Teach Yourself Macromedia Flash 5 in 24 Hours (that is the title, not how long it took to write). His writing has also appeared in such publications as Macworld, Macromedia User Journal, and his self-published The Phillip Newsletter (teleport/~phillip/newsletter/).

In addition to showing others how to create multimedia, Phillip has had plenty of opportunities to get his hands dirty in programming. Last century, Phillip programmed the all-Flash Web site m-three for Paris France Inc. This site was included in both Communication Arts Interactive Design Annual and the British Design & Art Direction Annual in 2000. The latest version of the M3 site won the navigation category at the London Flash Film Festival. Feel free to email Phillip at flash5@onemain.