Learning ActionScript 3.0 (A Beginner's Guide) [Paperback]

 

 

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For many designers and developers who use Adobe Flash, the introduction of ActionScript 3 was met with some trepidation. The perceived increase in the complexity of ActionScript 3 code compared to ActionScript 2 - including the belief that you must use Object-Oriented Programming to use AS3 - has led some to decide to stick with AS2. This is unfortunate, as AS3 has a number of advantages over AS2. While AS3 is somewhat more complex than AS2, it is not prohibitively so, and the time required to bring oneself up to speed with AS3 is well rewarded.

"Learning ActionScript 3.0", by Rich Shupe and Zevan Rosser is, overall, a great introduction to AS3. The chapters are well organized, with a quick run-through of some familiar ActionScript concepts and code. If you've written any ActionScript before, you can skip this part, or skim through it just for some reassurance that not everything in AS3 is completely different from what you already know.

The subsequent chapters cover major aspects of ActionScript programming, ranging from graphics to sound and video to loading pretty much any sort of data. For example, the new display list in AS3 is thoroughly and clearly explained; as somebody still relatively new to AS3 I found this to be a pretty significant change to the way I think about Flash, so I appreciated how well the authors covered this part of AS3. And if you think that everything in AS3 only got more complicated, this book is worth it alone for the chapter on working with XML. These and other topics are explained clearly and thoroughly. The authors are both teachers at New York's School of Visual Arts, and their experience as educators shows through in their writing.

A neat aspect of the book is how it gradually transitions you into thinking about Object-Oriented Programming. For many people, the thought of having to do this with AS3 can be pretty scary. Initially, the code samples are meant to be placed right on the timeline. But part way in you get a primer on OOP. The book explains the concepts behind OOP very well, and gives the right amount of information - enough to get you going, but not so much that you'll get scared off at the thought of OOP. The code samples are no longer on the timeline, and suddenly you're working with object-oriented code, and it makes sense.

Those who are already familiar with AS2 will probably get the most out of "Learning ActionScript 3.0". If you're new to programming, and not just new to ActionScript, then this probably won't end up as the primary book you'll use to learn how to code. For example, topics that would normally get their own chapters in a 'learn how to code' book, such as variables, get only a section of a chapter by way of introduction. If you've already done some coding, this will be enough to reassure you that not everything is significantly different in AS3, but if you're new to programming, you might want something that spends a little more time on the basics.

In addition, the book would have benefitted from another round of proofing. There were a few typos that, although minor, were a bit of a distraction. The typos that I came across were pretty minor - nothing that you won't immediately notice, but it's too bad that they're there in the first place. And to be fair, I think I noticed only about a half-dozen throughout the book. (By the by, the errata page at learningactionscript3.com is much more complete than the page on O'Reilly's web site.)

Obviously, if the most significant criticism I can make of this book is that there were a few too many typos for my liking, I think it's a very good book. If you're looking to make the jump into ActionScript 3 coding, "Learning ActionScript 3.0" is a great place to start your education.

Unfortunately I cannot agree the the enthusiasm shown for this book by other reviewers.

My biggest criticism is the very poor coverage of the syntax of each new part of ActionScript covered. The code examples are too specific and offer no help on how to use them in general.

Good books like this type tend to be either very readable, start to finish like any other good non-fiction work. Or more "manual" like, consult the index - read the section - learn what to do. This book is neither easy to read nor a good reference.

Also it is not an "independent" book. Personally I am a huge fan of Adobe's products, but nevertheless any software as complex as AS3 must have got some things wrong. A few I have since learned about are glossed over or unnecessarily defended.

It is relatively short at 350 pages.

On a positive note, it is beautifully printed in colour (and yes, colour does matter to AS3 code!).

The all time best s/w book I know of is McFarland's Dreamweaver Missing Manual and there are several excellent AfterEffects books by the Meyers. Adobe AS3 desperately needs something of that quality written about it!

After endlessly searching for a decent AS3 book but having to settle with intermediate to advanced book I found this little gem and started some research. After finding reviews on the flashblog and other resources I decided to go ahead with the purchase.

not only is this book well illustrated in full colour, it also gives you a sense that your learning at a steady pace without feeling like your missing something as you progress.

The online resource site offers all of the files needed to sit and study the chapters in the book closer.

I have also recently embarked on what I thought was a problem with one of the resource files and emailed the support group, I was astonished to get a reply within 15 Minutes, pity that I was being a fool and there was no problem. Non the less the help was amazing.

I can't recommend this book enough for anyone wanting to make the jump from AS2 to AS3 or for anyone completely new to AS3.

Thank you

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2.0 out of 5 stars Not for Beginners
I had initially thought the book was good - it seemed simple enough and accessible in it's language and this still holds true. Read more

Published 18 months ago by na0512

5.0 out of 5 stars Great book! Loads of examples, illustrated and applicable
I've steadily worked my way through this book and can honestly say it's well written, covers most of the subjects you'll encounter and has useful examples to download and go... Read more

Published 20 months ago by Mr. A. White

4.0 out of 5 stars Great purchase
I bought this book off the recommendation of Lee Brimelow whose flash blog i follow. I must say i haven't been disappointed, I would put myself in the beginner/intermediate... Read more

Published on 11 Sep 2009 by Me David P. Lowe

4.0 out of 5 stars Very useful
I'm competent with AS2 and wanted to move to AS3. This book is exactly what I needed to compliment Colin Moock's, Essential ActionScript 3.0. Read more

Published on 3 Sep 2009 by R. Pierce

5.0 out of 5 stars A great book, easy to understand.
Gives you everything you want as a beginner, explanations of the framework and the fundamentals of programming in AS3. Read more

Published on 24 Aug 2009 by bohobo

5.0 out of 5 stars A fine introduction
A very good way to learn the basic concepts behind actionscript ... I'm using it as an introduction to Flash in general and find, that after a 3 hour tutorial on the Flash... Read more

Published on 27 July 2009 by D. Goldstein

5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing book
Written in «cookbook» style, this is a very beautiful composed book with detailed explanations to practical cases and usual problems. Read more

Published on 4 Jun 2009 by Johndifo

5.0 out of 5 stars Action Script Magic
I think this is a very difficult topic to manange, I am a designer who wanted to learn Action Script not a programmer so it was very difficult to find a book that wasn't based on... Read more

Published on 27 May 2009 by Shane Williams

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent
I purchased this book to try and establish an understanding of the basics of ActionScript 3.0 and help explain basic principles of Object Orientated Programming. Read more

Published on 14 May 2009 by Mr. S. Blackburn

4.0 out of 5 stars Brill
Quality book but only once you learn the basics, in colour which really helps imo.

Also, the online support is ace! Read more

Published on 27 Feb 2009 by Mr. C. Bannister

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