Flash CS3 Actionscript 3.0

• similar to JavaScript
• actions can be assigned to a specific frame
• actions attached to frames execute when frame is reached
• actions attached to objects execute when event is triggered- e.g., buttons clicked to start and stop playing movie, etc.
• Can type in Actionscripts
• Flash Actionscript palette also generates actionscript appropriate to selected objects
• Flash Actionscripts can be stored in external files.

Can also use Actionscript 2.0

• ActionScript 2.0 is not backwardly compatible.
• SWF files developed with ActionScript 2.0 will not play in older Flash Players
• Can be a problem if users do not have current Flash player (Flash 7.0)
• SWF files will not play if browser does not allow ActiveX.
• A number of Actions, Functions, Operators, and Properties from earlier versions have been deprecated and no longer work in ActionScript 2.0

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Advantages of ActionScript 3.0

• supports strict data typing -- declare variables
• case sensitive
• supports XML handling
• provides objects with advanced methods that save a lot of programming work:
  • moviecliploader
    • Can load and unload a series of small SWF movies into a master SWF file
    • Provides functionality for preloader which displays download progress
• loadVariables(url, target, [variables]);
  • from an external source, such as a text file
  • getURL("/cgi-bin/form.cgi", "_blank", "GET"):)
  • Can send variables to a URL outside a Flash movie
  • Can create and change objects within ActionScript

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