Summary

Physics encapsulates the laws of nature in mathematical form. These laws are simple and can be readily coded up. Hence, it is generally easy to create effects that look realistic.

Programming physics involves four steps: identifying what physics principles you need, writing down the relevant equations, devising a numerical algorithm for solving the equations, and writing the code. So it involves knowledge and skills in four different areas: physics, math, numerical methods, and programming. This book gives you help in the first three areas; you are assumed to have some proficiency in the fourth: general programming in ActionScript.

Having said this, the next chapter will provide a rapid overview/review of selected topics in ActionScript ...

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