ActionScript & the designer
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- jysta
Hi all,
Is having a good knowledge of ActionScript now a prerequisite for designers??? Im finding it a real struggle at the moment.
I am currently working on a project with a ColdFusion developer who asked me to do some design work for him for his clients web sites. Sure I can create the look and feel in PS and import to Flash, and include the animation, but where does the buck stop for a designer????
It seems like now if I want to create anything creative and unique in terms of animation or functionality you need AS.
Getting flash to talk with XML is where I'm currently at, but things are slow. It seems like we need an ActionScript middleman. Which I didn't anticipate.
I am prepared to put time and effort into learning this but it seems like things are going further and further away from the WYSIWYG timeline method.
Does anyone have any good places to start to really understand the core primciples of the AS language and build a firm foundation with which to create??
Anyone else been in a similar situation and found any relief?
Sorry about the long post I would really appreciate your opionions and suggestions on this matter.
Many thanks.
- PonyBoy0
quick answer: yes... learn as much A.S. as you can.
I'd start in w/3.0 too...
... it's pretty close to EMCA standards (which is what .js is based on too... so you'll be learning .js at the same time!)...
Good Animation book that used 3.0 concepts: http://www.amazon.com/Foundation…
Good A.S. 3.0 basics-advanced: http://www.amazon.com/Essential-…
- material-10
kirupa.com is your friend
- geralddean0
Those actionscript bibles are quite the reference book too.
- flashbender0
Moock's book are great for overall theory and then seeing the code in practice.
For more advanced theory on OOP, AS/3, and Design PAtterns and how they are all related you could check out Danny Patterson's book:
- monNom0
and yes, you should probably get an experienced flash developer involved if you want to take advantage of the fancier Cold fusion/flash interconnects. that's a STEEP learning curve if you haven't gotten past timeline animations.
- CyBrain0
Yeah, it's not like you can learn a programming language when you need it right away for a project.
Also, I wouldn't plan on being able to use AS3 on sites for another year and on any ad banners for another 2 years at least.
- MediaPimp0
Start with AS2 and work your way into AS3. AS3 is more important for application development at the moment. But for websites and to get yourself familiarized with the concept of OOP development (AS2 is not true OOP), pick up ActionScript 2.0 Language Reference Guide and Learning ActionScript 2.0, both from Macromedia Press.
If you want to go hardcore and dive right into AS3, then look into ActionScript 3.0 Design Patterns and ActionScript 3.0 Cookbook.
- jysta0
Thanks for all the reference guys, really appreciate it!
I think I'l be buying some books with my next paycheque. :-)
Im going to build on my AS2 for now as I need to incorporate it into my current projects.
Yeah apparently there is a load of stuff you can do between flash and coldfusion but my level is such that we're just using loadXML and LoadVars.
- McTof0
I also recommend ActionScript 3.0 Cookbook (a 2.0 cookbook is also available).
This book is great b/c it provides practical examples which is what helps me the best.