Macromedia Flash delivers sound, interactivity, graphics, and animations across multiple browsers and platforms. It enables developers to create interactive interfaces and distinctive Web applications. ActionScript is the behind-the-scenes programming language that offers greater control and functionality in Flash programming.

Sams Teach Yourself Flash ActionScript in 24 Hours offers a clearly written, well organized introduction to programming Flash with ActionScript. The reader will be taught basic programming techniques while creating their own interactive Flash movies.

Amazon.com® Reader Reviews (Ranked by Helpfulness)

Average Amazon.com® Rating:  Based on 16 Ratings

I would give this three and a half stars if I could - 2003-08-23
Reviewer Rating:
THE BAD:
First of all, there are indeed so many errors in this book, it is ludicrous. For example (page 75, number 4) , one script tells you to use "gotoAndStop" but then in the code it has written "gotoAndPlay". If you type in the code as given, the movie doesn't work properly, but if you then figure out that the author really _meant_ to put in the code what he intially said - ie: "gotoAndStop" - the movie works fine. It's that kind of thing that can really drive you nuts.

THE GOOD:

That said, I did learn (or re-learn) some programming concepts from this book and it has gotten me started in ActionScript . I'm one of those poor schmucks ( aka: "a designer") that has been trying to learn programming on my own for six years and until recently, couldn't tell a function from a variable. So the fact that this book got a few programming concepts through my thick skull made it a worthwhile read... in spite of the errors.

Ashmith.com Web Designer / Developer Review - 2004-08-17
Reviewer Rating:
I bought this book to learn Actionscript. But, all I learn't is how to write basic actionscript in flash mx. The chapters are boring and will want you to pay real close attention. I had to read 2 times for each specific actionscript tasks. The introduction is good but I was not able to understand anything after hour 5. So it is waste of time.

this book is not very good - 2006-01-24
Reviewer Rating:
I bought this book 3 months ago and after reading it and playing along with the programming, I found myself very confused about simple things that I learned in the first chapter of 'Foundation Actionscript for Flash MX 2004,' by Sham Bhangal.

'Foundation Actionscript for Flash MX 2004' is a MUCH better learning tool than 'Sams...' After reading both books, I would NOT recommend buying 'Sams...'

'Foundation...' gives the reader a strong foundation in understanding the framework of actionscript (going into details about the use of variables, arrays, and functions right away), but 'Sams...' focuses on making flashy, but underexplained flash files.

I made some neat flash files using the 'Sams...' book, and it didnt hurt to read it, but after comparing it to 'Foundation...' I wish I would have bought 'Foundation Actionscript for Flash MX 2004' first.

Best of Three - 2005-08-16
Reviewer Rating:
I tried 2 other books on ActionScript; with GR's, I finally understand the essential basics to progressively advance with confidence and assurance; and that, without the frustrating headache of feeling pushed to fast and leaving important concepts floating at a midstream point. The solid foundation gave me the courage on pg. 98 of his book to try something on my own; something simple but I felt rewarding. Great teacher, great book on a not too easy subject.

wonderfull - 2005-12-01
Reviewer Rating:
Buy it. Its great if you want to read it from start to finish or just if you need to look up information. Great for people who never did actionscript.

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Programming

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Programming > ActionScripting