Today's Headlines Search
Content
Coldplay
The White Stripes
Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan
Norah Jones
The Hives
Big If
Integrating Flash, Fireworks & Freehand
Beginning SQL Server 2000 Programming
An Underground Education
The Worst-Case Scenario Survival Handbook
Oddworld: Munch's Oddysee
Combat Mission
Planet Monsters
Rallisport Challenge
Star Wars Rogue Squadron 2
John Carpenter's Ghosts of Mars
Slumdog Millionaire
War Of The Worlds
Constantine
Closer
Find them here
REVIEWS - BOOKS

Title:
Flash 5 ActionScript Studio
Author(s):
David Beard, Michael Bedar, et al
El-Camel's Ratings:

Publisher:
Friends of ED

Reviewer:
dave stewart

** CONTRIBUTE A REVIEW **

When Flash 5.0 was released designers realised that now was the time to think more like programmers. Traditionally, designers had always avoided the hard logic of programming, and instead concentrated on airy-fairy things like form, line, and balance. However, they soon discovered that to be able to express their ideas fully in Flash, they would need to learn how to programme.

A new programming language, called ActionScript, was therefore created by Macromedia so Flash developers could generate storming, interactive designs. Basically, if you want to compete in state-of-the-art interactive web design, you had better learn ActionScript.

This book, written in a clear and easy-going style, covers all the things you need to know about designing interactive interfaces with Flash. It includes the principles of good design, navigation via motion, mixing ActionScript with other codes like Javascript, ASP, CGI, and PHP, database driven sites, planning projects, and the usual design features like file optimisation, scalability, and more.

It really is much more in depth than any other Flash book I've seen. Of course, you have the usual examples with rotating 3D cubes and the like, but on the whole, things are presented with detail and thoroughness, it is full of tips and case studies, and the projects are good and varied.

The book starts at intermediate level, but is advanced enough to challenge most readers. If you are a novice then this isn't the book for you (try a foundation book first), it is essentially for users who understand how ActionScript has changed, but haven't yet harnessed the full potential of the language.

 The one problem I have with the book is that it doesn't come with a CD. You've got to download files from the friends of ED website (www.friendsofed.com) and it is about 45Meg which makes it time consuming. Surely a little CD-ROM wouldn't be too much to ask.

But, overall this is the best book you will find about ActionScript and well worth the investment. Throughout, the information provided is authoritative, the explanations are clear, and the subject areas covered are extensive. It gives you the skills to be able to get total control of the look, feel, sound and behaviour of the animated interfaces. 

Available from Hammicks Online Computer Bookshop www.computerbooks.uk.com



Oilzine Members Reviews
Flash 5 ActionScript Studio
** CONTRIBUTE A REVIEW **

UserID:
Heffer22
Ratings:
Review:
Yeah! !!Kapow!! BIFF!! SHEBANG!! SLAP!! NIP!! OW!!! OK you're right it is good
Posted:
26/10/2001
   
UserID:
Heffer22
Ratings:
Review:
Yeah?
Posted:
26/10/2001
   
UserID:
Heffer22
Ratings:
Review:
Do you want a fight? Outside now!!
Posted:
26/10/2001
   
UserID:
Heffer22
Ratings:
Review:
I SAY IT'S GOOD!!!!
Posted:
26/10/2001
   
UserID:
Heffer22
Ratings:
Review:
No it's not it's shit
Posted:
26/10/2001
   
UserID:
Heffer22
Ratings:
Review:
THIS BOOK'S GREAT
Posted:
26/10/2001
   
UserID:
Heffer22
Ratings:
Review:
Think I might spend all day just filling up the page!!!
Posted:
26/10/2001
   
UserID:
Heffer22
Ratings:
Review:
this thing is great! I can just write what I want and it appears on the screen as if by magic!!!
Posted:
26/10/2001
   
UserID:
Heffer22
Ratings:
Review:
heloo yourself! How are you Max dear?
Posted:
26/10/2001
   
UserID:
max_sa2000
Ratings:
Review:
heloo
Posted:
12/10/2001
   


Add A Review...
UserID:
Password:
Ratings:
(1 to 5)
Comments:
Need to register?
Click here...
Forgot your password?
Click here...

 

 

| Translate with Babblefish |

MEMBERS
LOGIN
PASSWORD
Create Account
Subscribe now for our Newsletter!
Enter your email address
Make this your homepage
WIN WIN WIN!
Enter our competitions
Click below!
No competitions offered at present. Please check back again soon.