Special Edition Using Macromedia Flash 5

by Darrel Plant and Robert Cleveland

Que, May, 2001.
Trade Paperback, 606 pages.
ISBN: 0789724448

Special Edition Using Macromedia Flash 5 by Darrel Plant and Robert Cleveland

The popularity of Flash is undeniable; Macromedia claims there have been over one billion downloads of Flash from its website. But popularity isn't everything -- there are obviously good and bad ways to use Flash -- and plenty of websites overdo it when it comes to Flash designs. There are scores of books about Flash design; some focus on specific Flash designs using screenshots in a step-by-step instructional approach, while other books teach readers how to create "cool" Flash animations. This book offers more of a text-based approach, like a traditional computer reference book. The book provides an introduction to Flash utilities and the Flash authoring environment, instruction on working with Flash animations and vector art. The book also provides detailed coverage of ActionScript, Flash's programming language. A CD-ROM included with book contains Flash demos and source code from the book.

This book provides a comprehensive introduction to Flash, that can both help readers to Flash and teach them how to develop more complex Flash applications. The ActionScript instruction is very helpful for programmers, and coverage includes syntax, functions, objects, scripting buttons, dynamic text, controlling movies with ActionScript, Smart Clips, controlling the player and debugging. Having knowledge of both graphics and programming concepts gives the Flash developer a more well-rounded understanding of Flash design. Although some readers might prefer a Flash book that provides more full-color step-by-step procedures of how to create specific Flash animations, this book should appeal to Flash developers that need more extensive instruction, including coverage of ActionScript.

Special Edition Using Macromedia Flash 5 is available for purchase on Amazon.com

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This review was published in the August, 2001 of The Internet Writing Journal.