Essential ActionScript 2.0

Object-Oriented Development with ActionScript 2.0
By Colin Moock
O'Reilly
Website
The real difference between ActionScript 1.0 and ActionScript 2.0 prowls around how each of them approaches Object-oriented Programming (OOP). Now that ActionScript 2.0 includes a formal OOP architecture, the days of hacks will be over very soon. In this context, Colin Moock's "Essential ActionScript 2.0" explores in detail the basic principles of OOP in the scripting language of Macromedia's Flash.

At roughly 500 pages from cover to cover, "Essential ActionScript 2.0" assumes certain familiarity with the features of the ActionScript language, making it the perfect sequel to Colin's "ActionScript for Flash MX: The Definitive Guide", where the language's structure, built-in classes and core functions are extensively covered and illustrated with numerous examples. If you don't have it, get it; you're gonna need it. "Essential ActionScript 2.0" focuses almost exclusively on the Object-oriented aspects of ActionScript and encourages the reader to explore the basics on his/her own.

The book is divided in three main sections. The first and larger one discusses in detail the theory that supports Object-oriented programming in general, and how it is implemented in ActionScript in particular. Although an understanding of the rudiments of OOP would come in handy and allow for a comfortable reading throughout this section of the book, Colin does a good job transmitting concepts in a simple and concise manner, repeating himself only when necessary, and keeping the reader interested by writing with a personal touch, even throwing in a couple of (bad) jokes. But make no mistake: if you are new to OOP, be sure to understand each and every paragraph before moving forward. Other than that, be prepared to enjoy the ride.

The second section of the book goes over the practical application of the concepts covered in the first section. Although Colin provides the reader with a solid understanding of the ins and outs of OOP in ActionScript, application development requires good design to be successful, and that's what we will find in this section of the book. Every project is different, but these examples will illustrate the process of designing and deploying and object-oriented application.

Finally, in the third and last section of the book Colin reviews the most common Design Patterns used in OOP today. Observer, Singleton, Model-View-Controller (MVC) and Delegate, are all there for your review, and to set a starting point of your own developments.

In sum, "Essential ActionScript 2.0" is an in-depth definition and review of the Object-oriented structures now available in ActionScript, and a realistic study of how the reader can benefit from the application of these concepts. Between the abstract theory and the practical tips, Colin Moock explains in detail the process of design and deployment of Object-oriented programs in Flash, with the mastery that only a very well-informed and seasoned Flash developer can deliver, showing the new possibilities brought in by ActionScript 2.0, while exposing a few of its flaws as well.