ActionScript Zero to Hero

If you've dabbled with Flash and want to expand your repertoire, this book will teach you what you need to know about ActionScript in a fast-paced tutorial style. The ActionScript language is becoming an increasingly vital part of every Flash designer's toolkit, but it can seem like a scary prospect for the non-programmer. We'll show you how easy it is to create interesting, interactive movies in Flash MX through visual metaphors and worked examples.

The aim is to get you up to speed quickly, giving you the skills you need to add extra functionality and control to your Flash movies. By the time you're finished, you should have a good grasp of the core ActionScript concepts and techniques, and plenty of ideas for your own projects.

No previous programming experience is required, just a familiarity with the Flash MX interface, and even the most code-phobic reader should find the learning curve to be smooth and easy.

Jen deHaan is a freelance web designer and developer based in Calgary, Alberta. She has been involved in writing, contributing to or editing many computer books on Flash, ActionScript, digital video and ColdFusion in 2002. She has co-authored three books on ActionScript: Flash MX Designer's ActionScript Reference, ActionScript Zero to Hero, and Flash MX Components Most Wanted. Jen graduated with top honors from a top new media program, and also with a bachelor's in fine arts in developmental art from the University of Calgary. She is an experienced teacher and writer, focusing on integrating technologies for the Web using Flash MX. Jen's personal websites are ejepo.com and flash-mx.com.