Flash MX for Interactive Simulation

How to Construct and Use Device Simulations
By Jonathan Kaye, David Castillo
Delmar Learning
Website
Contrary to what it's title may suggest to some, including myself at the beginning, the book has lots more to offer than solely Simulation and related matters, which it does cover extensively. Although it might not be an easy reading for the beginner, Flash MX for Interactive Simulation is a valuable source for Object-oriented programming with ActionScript, Flash components, Usability testing and Project management, specially if those projects require complex interaction with the user.

The book introduces the concepts behind Statecharts to the Flash development arena, and uses them to create a State engine, a complex ActionScript structure with the means to control every detail of a high-end machine simulation. It won't come easy, though, as this book is not light reading and you will need to put your brain at work to make the most out of your experience. But I'm sure, at the end, you will be satisfied, even if you are not starting any simulation projects right away, as your reward will be most certainly a better understanding of what it takes to design complex interactions using ActionScript and Flash.

But it doesn't end there. In addition to 500 pages of pure pulp, the book comes with a CD-ROM full of goodies. You will appreciate having all those carefully designed interface Flash components, not to mention all the source files used in the book, including the mighty State engine created by Jonathan. When it is your turn to build a nice machine simulation, those will come in handy to help you start with your project. Just last week, Jonathan released an AS 2.0 version of the State engine. Find out more here. Also, AS 2.0 versions of the interface components will be released soon.

Flash MX for Interactive Simulation caters to the intermediate level Flash developer interested in Object-oriented programming and Flash Components; to the advanced ActionScripter eager to learn how to apply his/her skills to Simulation projects and other projects where complex interactions are required; to the non-Flash developers with exposure to Object-oriented programming languages interested in what the Flash platform has to offer.

A must for any serious Flash developer.

New York, March 24th 12004.