Special Edition Using Macromedia Flash MX [With CDROM]

by Michael Hurwicz and Laura McCabe

Topics covered include using the Library effectively, Action Script Debugging, and creating dynamic Flash applications. Coverage also includes: using 3D graphics; importing and using bitmaps and... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0789727625
• ISBN13: 9780789727626
• Release Date: August 2002
• Publisher: Que
• Length: 744 Pages
• Weight: 2.75 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.6" x 7.4" x 9.1"

Customer Reviews

Excellent theory. Need practical follow on book though.

From a theoretical perspective, this book has an excellent coverage of Flash MX including almost everything you would want to know about ActionScript. This is the scripting language to bring control to your Flash MX work. This book is best if you are an intermediate to advanced Flash MX user. It is also perfect if you have a Computer Science or Engineering background and are looking to ramp up on Flash MX really fast. If you are a beginner, I strongly recommend another book to get started in Flash MX. And if you are someone who likes to see a lot of examples while learning, you will be thoroughly disappointed with this book. The closest thing the book has on examples is the Flash at Work sections at the end of most chapters that are aimed to give you a sneak preview of how the experts in the field work with Flash. The CD-ROM has the files you need to work through these special sections in each chapter. Even then, the explanations of these files are mostly limited to 2 pages per chapter.In terms of completeness, this book has a thorough coverage of Flash MX. The book has a semi-textbook format where the chapters need to be read in the order presented. If you do that, you won't have any trouble understanding the terminology or the concepts. Ignore what the book claims about being able to read the chapters independently, I believe that's the best recipe for confusion. The book has a very pleasing format with a good use of the color light orange throughout the book. I especially enjoyed the writing style which is very precise with almost no errors.The book's 670 pages span 30 chapters and an Appendix (that covers Accessibility Guidelines). These chapters are divided into 6 major sections - Flash Environment and Tools, Animation and Sound, Adding Advanced Interactivity with ActionScript, Advanced ActionScripting, External Communication with Flash, and Output Options for Flash. I spent most of my time with the first two sections to get a handle on what Flash is all about and how to use it. I then spent some time going through the next two sections which focus on ActionScipt which is JavaScript modified for use with Flash MX. These two sections form the core of the book with a good coverage of ActionScript from a programming perspective. The authors explain almost everything you need to know to program in ActionScript including good programming practices. I am now on the lookout for a companion book that is full of practical examples to supplement this book so that I can become an expert through practice...Bottom line - DON'T get this book if you are a beginner, dislike pure theory, or love a book with lots of examples. But if you have been in the IT field for a long time and feel comfortable learning a new software program explained in a text book format, GET this book without hesitation.Enjoy this reference book on your way to becoming a better Flash MX developer!

Excellent for intermediate user or *motivated* beginner

A great book for me! I'm an intermediate user -- been using Flash 5 for about a year and wanting to learn the new features in Flash MX and get into more advanced techniques. This book is especially in-depth on ActionScript, from the basics on up -- it's got about 200 pages on design, and about 500 on ActionScript. Great sections on the drawing API, the Math object, event-based scripting -- all of ActionScript, really. Helped me understand classes and inheritance, too!