2.1. Jump Right In

Before we cover some of the fundamental structure and logic of ActionScript 3.0, let’s write another script to help get the feel of the language and build a little confidence. Specifically, we’ll build on the Hello World! exercise from Chapter 1 to introduce some of the material explained in detail in this chapter. We’ll give you a brief explanation here and then expand on each relevant topic as you read on. Create a new ActionScript 3.0 FLA file and type the following code into frame 1 using the Actions panel. You can compare your work with the hello_world_if_loop.fla source file.

1    var str:String = "Hello World!";
2
3    if (Math.random() < 0.5) {
4        var txtFld:TextField = new TextField();
5        addChild(txtFld);
6        txtFld.text = str;
7    } else {
8        for (var i:int = 0; i < 3; i++) {
9            trace(str);
10        }
11    }