Course Name

Adobe Flash CS3 Professional: ActionScript 3 Essentials

Contact Hours: 10

Course Description

Ranging from casual hobbyists to the most seasoned professionals, our users quickly learn new software applications and broaden their knowledge of programs currently used. Narrated in an entertaining format by industry experts and leading authors, our video-based software training titles are critical tools for anyone wanting to learn tips, techniques, and best practices from the most respected names in the business. Get up and running on the newest version of ActionScript, which is included with Flash CS3. If you are new to ActionScript 3.0, this series shows you how to make your Flash applications more dynamic by using the scripting language to add interactivity and control effects. If you are already familiar with ActionScript 2 from Flash 7 or 8, our video tutorials help you make the switch with minimum effort with updates about the new changes in naming, syntax and Class structure. The student will have access to this course for 1 year. This self-directed course can be completed within 90 days or sooner depending on time and learning capabilities of the student.

Outcome

By completing this course you will: Review the Panel basics in ActionScript 3 and see how to set up the ActionScript preferences using the Reference Library and the Script Selection panel. Learn how to use dot syntax notation and how to write ActionScript 3 structures, and find out how to debug them when things go wrong. Discover how to use properties and methods for ActionScript 3 built in classes for complete control of MovieClips, TextFields and Sounds. Build event handlers for ActionScript 3 built-in classes to add interactivity and respond to both user generated events as well as program events like sounds and data loading. Make and use your own custom classes so you can modify existing classes like custom buttons, and get more reusability from your applications and animated MovieClips.

Assessment

Project files are included with this course to aid in your learning. There are no exams or tests.

Outline

Part 1 Lesson 1: ACTIONSCRIPT 3 BASICS  Looking at Basic Preferences Using the Actions Panel Placing ActionScript Writing Code Understanding Syntax & Error Messages Understanding Variables Datatyping Variables Using Functions Adding an Argument to a Function Creating a Return Function Naming Stage Elements Introducing Dot Syntax Using Functions to Control Movie Clips Lesson 2: INTRO TO OBJECT-ORIENTED PROGRAMMING  Understand the Structure of a Reusable Object Defining a Movie Clip Object Understanding Classes Understanding the Inheritance Class Using the Movie Clip Class Using Movie Clip Properties Using Movie Clip Methods Working with the Button Class Creating an Event Handler Assigning Buttons with Reusable Functions Setting Events to a Button Object Using a Click Event with a Movie Clip Working with the Text Field Class Using the Date Class Lesson 3: USING DOT SYNTAX Basic Timeline Controls Using Movie Clip Methods Understanding Dot Syntax Creating Nested Movie Clips Unique Instance Names Setting the Correct Path for Buttons Setting a Path for Other Script Locations Understanding the "This" Keyword Use the "This" Keyword to Control Movie Clips Lesson 4: BUILDING A FLASH SITE Setting Up Buttons to Go from Black & White to Color Building Custom Buttons Using Movie Clips Add a gotoAndPlay Method to Move a Playhead Adding Frame Labels Setting Up Additional Buttons Adding a Click Event Handler Reusing Click Events Adding "If" Statements Setting Up a Function to Control Visible Properties Adding an "Else If" Statement Using Arrays Using a "For Loop" Structure Using Arrays to Set Up Thumb Clicks Using Arrays to Set Up Thumbnails Final Comments & Credits Part 2 Lesson 1: CONTROLLING SOUND WITH ACTIONSCRIPT Explaining the Sound Class Loading an External Sound Handling Errors from a Loading Sound Using a Complete Event Setting Up a Stop Button Setting Up a Play Button Setting Up a Pause Button Setting Up a Replay Button Setting Up a Second Sound Adding Functions to a Second Sound Using the Transform Class Using the SoundMixer Class Controlling the Volume Levels Controlling the Volume Loader Bar Lesson 2: USING VIDEO WITH ACTIONSCRIPT Review ActionScript 2 with Flash Video Component Flash Video Playback with ActionScript 3 Controlling Flash Video with ActionScript 3 Setting Up Our Own Controller Applying Additional Controls Customizing UI Elements Creating Your Own Controls Testing the Skin Automatic Closed Captioning Lesson 3: CREATING CUSTOM CLASSES (48 min) Creating an External ActionScript File Adding a Constructor Adding Properties to the New Class Adding Arguments to the New Constructor Adding a Method to the Class Understanding Packages Expanding an Existing Class Attach a Class to a Library Item Using Linkage Using Class to Control the Library Item Adding a Rollover Event Building the Event Handler into the Class Lesson 4: BUILDING WITH CUSTOM CLASSES (60 min) Touring the Site Building a Website Class Creating a Set Up Content Method Add a Clear Content Method to Website Class Setting Up a Button Class Creating a Set Up Buttons Method 7 Using Tween & Easing Classes Adding Tween to Zoom Button Class Setting Up Button Clicks Linking the Buttons to the Content Final Comments & Credits