Essential ActionScript 3.0

Chapter 29. ActionScript and the Flash Authoring Tool

In Chapter 1, we learned that the Flash authoring tool can be used to combine ActionScript code with graphics, animation, and multimedia assets. Now that we have a good understanding of the core ActionScript language, let’s explore the important links between ActionScript and content created in the Flash authoring tool.

Tip

For the benefit of programmers coming from other languages and environments, some of the concepts discussed in this chapter are presented from the perspective of a newcomer to the Flash authoring tool. Some of the upcoming material will, hence, be review for experienced Flash users.

You can download the example files discussed in this chapter at http://www.moock.org/eas3/examples.

The Flash Document

In this book, we’ve created plenty of .swf files using “pure code” (i.e., one or more ActionScript classes). In the Flash authoring tool, by contrast, .swf files are created using a visual interface for producing graphics, animation, and interactive multimedia content.

To create a .swf file with the Flash authoring tool, we must first create a Flash document, or .fla file. A .fla file describes the arrangement of a body of multimedia content over time. To create a .fla file suitable for use with ActionScript 3.0, follow these steps:

1. In the Flash authoring tool, select File → New.

2. On the New Document dialog, on the General tab, for Type, select Flash File (ActionScript 3.0).

3. Click OK.

From a .fla file, we can compile (or ...