Essential ActionScript 3.0: ActionScript 3.0 Programming Fundamentals

by Colin Moock

ActionScript 3.0 is a huge upgrade to Flash's programming language. The enhancements to ActionScript's performance, feature set, ease of use, cleanliness, and sophistication are considerable. Essential ActionScript 3.0 focuses on the core language and object-oriented programming, along with the Flash Player API. Essential ActionScript has become the #1 resource for the Flash and ActionScript development community, and the reason is the author, Colin Moock. Many people even refer to it simply as "The Colin Moock book." And for good reason: No one is better at turning ActionScript inside out, learning its nuances and capabilities, and then explaining everything in such an accessible way. Colin Moock is not just a talented programmer and technologist; he's also a gifted teacher. Essential ActionScript 3.0 is a radically overhauled update to Essential ActionScript 2.0 . True to its roots, the book once again focuses on the core language and object-oriented programming, but also adds a deep look at the centerpiece of Flash Player's new API: display programming. Enjoy hundreds of brand new pages covering exciting new language features, such as the DOM-based event architecture, E4X, and namespaces--all brimming with real-world sample code. The ActionScript 3.0 revolution is here, and Essential ActionScript 3.0 's steady hand is waiting to guide you through it. Adobe Developer Library is a co-publishing partnership between O'Reilly Media and Adobe Systems, Inc. and is designed to produce the number one information resources for developers who use Adobe technologies. Created in 2006, the Adobe Developer Library is the official source for comprehensive learning solutions to help developers create expressive and interactive web applications that can reach virtually anyone on any platform. With top-notch books and innovative online resources covering the latest in rich Internet application development, the Adobe Developer Library offers expert training and in-depth resources, straight from the source.

Genres: Programming, Reference, Technical, Nonfiction, Technology, Coding, Design

948 pages, Paperback

First published June 22, 2007

Reviews

[Wes Couch · Rating 4 out of 5]

I decided to bring Essential ActionScript 3.0 on vacation—because nothing says “relaxing on the beach” like reading about a dead programming language only for sims modding.

I was on the edge of my seat the entire time reading this.

4 stars because the order was a little wacky and it had me jumping around chapters.

[Cody Tolmasoff · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third Colin Moock Essential ActionScript book I've owned, and this is by far and above his best effort. He's finally sat down and detailed so many things I find myself doing every day, but never knew exactly why. This in not just a simple update to his previous book, but a complete re-write from the ground up.

[Sam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thus far, this seems to be the singular AS3 book to read. Though at times ever-so-slightly scattered, it's proven to be my essential guide to delineate areas that are either left to mystery or are just poorly-explained in other documentation. It deserves a minimum of 4 stars, in my mind, for completely fleshing out the "gotchas" for those of us coming from AS2, and making clear what are, in some instances, very fundamental but sometimes-subtle differences. At over 800 pages, it may discourage some readers, but, for me, the verbosity and thoroughness have generally contributed to my comprehension of the language.

I'd advise those with significant programming backgrounds wanting to jump in head-first to concentrate on the areas that fit your level of expertise — skim/forgo the more-remedial areas (e.g. the Arrays chapter) and the more in-depth and advanced topics. You can always drill down as you get your feet wet.

[Evan · Rating 4 out of 5]

The most thorough review of AS 3 out there. Colin is one of the best technical authors around.

Didn't give it 5 stars (as I did his AS 2 book) cause it's just a tad bit verbose. I think it could have laid off some of the nitty gritty and still been equally useful.

[Alan · Rating 3 out of 5]

The dry heave of my left-hemisphere.

[Eustice Conway · Rating 4 out of 5]

more design patterns plz. i mean, if you don't know MVC backwards and forwards by now, you should probably not have moved on from Flash MX.

[Matt]

Incredible characters, vast depth with high readability - so far, a phenomenal novel. Wait, what?

[bunnyhero · Rating 2 out of 5]

disappointed after the excellent essential actionscript 2.0 by the same author. meandering, gets bogged down in little details. not a recommended way to learn, not great as a reference.

[Mido Hafez]

:)

[Stacia · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very thorough and in-depth look at ActionScript 3.0. Perfect as a reference. Discussion of how things work is invaluable.

[Clarence X. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even if you are not an Actionscript dev, the object-oriented approach is worth understanding

[Xojltoh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Настольная книга. Основной справочник. Мастхэв у каждого разработчика