Print Book $54.95
Print Book £38.95
By Colin Moock
Second Edition
December 2002
Pages: 1088
ISBN 10: 0-596-00396-X |
ISBN 13: 9780596003968
(Average of 3 Customer Reviews)
ActionScript for Flash MX: The Definitive Guide is the most complete, up-to-date reference available for the latest version of ActionScript. Author Colin Moock has added hundreds of new code examples to show new Flash MX techniques in the real world. The book's language reference alone has nearly doubled from the first edition, with more than 250 new classes, objects, methods, and properties. You'll find exhaustive coverage of dozens of undocumented, under-documented, and mis-documented features.
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Book details
Second Edition: December 2002
ISBN: 0-596-00396-X
Pages: 1088
Average Customer Reviews: (Based on 3 Reviews)
Featured customer reviews
Good for MX actionscript, December 14 2007
This book is good if you're just looking for actionscript from the MX days. It's a bit dated now, and does not address actionscript 3
ActionScript for Flash MX: The Definitive Guide, 2nd Edition Review, March 04 2004
I purchased this book about a year ago and was blown away after reading it. It really got me into the world of Actionscript. Code that I had copy and pasted now makes so much more sense and I find myself coming up with new codes everyday. I recommend this book to anyone thats serious about wanting to get into Actionscript. The book is written for the non-programmer yet if you have any previous programming experience I'm sure it wouldn't hurt.
I'm waiting for an update for Actionscript 2.0 and I'm currently reading through the book for the second time to help reinforce everything I've already read about.
Overall excellent book!
ActionScript for Flash MX: The Definitive Guide, 2nd Edition Review, March 04 2003
This review is half for ASDG1 and ASDG2. I bought ASDG1 a while back; after having read reviews online, I decided that it was the best book for my money, and also the likeliest to teach a non-programmer how to dive into Actionscript. I also was a frequenter of Colin's site (moock.org) and knew that he knew his stuff!
ASDG1 taught me not only Actionscript for Flash 5 but how to approach problems from a programmer's position. After having read the book cover-to-cover (okay, so I didn't read the whole language reference) I was able to tackle PHP with almost no difficulty. Colin's ability to teach programming thru prose is astounding, I had no trouble tackling the concepts presented in the book. If only as a programming primer this either edition of this book is excellent!
The language reference is something that no Flash programmer should be without, spanning 500+ pages it coveres in depth all of the material in the non-updated Flash help/documentation, correcting and bringing to light things that were not mentioned.
I only recently received my copy of ASDG2 and and extremely pleased with it. It covers many of the newly added features present in Flash 6 (communication server and other related technologies are not covered), such as the drawing API, the enhanced event model and refinements to existing objects.
Building off all the strengths present in ASDG1 and going beyond, ASDG2 is the best way to learn the ropes of the ActionScript language. Instead of learning how to make movieclips or just a bunch of canned tricks, ASDG teaches you how to program inside of Actionscript, building each level on previous chapters.
Definately worth picking up if you want to get started programming for the web or just want to make your flash movies more powerful and interactive.
Media reviews
"This book has just about everything I could have ever wanted in an Actionscript book. It covers the ins and outs and tiny details overlooked by so many other 'quick tutorial' type books. This book is touted as the primary source for learning Actionscript and undoubtedly it is."
-- Steve McFarland, Indiania University Multimedia User Group (IUMMUG)
"If you already have a good understanding of the flash user interface such as keyframes and movie clips 'ActionScript" The Definitive Guide' is the best place to start if you want to learn ActionScripting. It provides a clear understanding of concepts that the reader will be able to use in real-world scenarios...This book is FANTASTIC and one of the best programming books ever! Consider it highly recommended for anyone that's going to take advantage of ActionScripting." 5/5 stars
--www.flashtrix.com, October 2003
http://www.flashtrix.com/php/modules.php?name=Reviews&rop=showcontent&id=4
"If you get one book on Action Scripting this is the one to get. It is extremely well written and covers all areas of Action Scripting. Colin is highly respected in the Flash community. It explains the basic to the most advanced topics in a clear and easy way to understand and learn. The book has lots of good examples and makes a great reference. I highly recommend this book."--Charles J. Boothroyd, Boeing Huntington Beach ColdFusion Users Group, March 2003
"The perfect structure and the precious contents this book has, makes it the essential resource for developers. Colin Moock has written the best tool to learn and master ActionScript. Now, as Flash-es.net usually says: The limit is your imagination!"
--Spanish Flash MMUG, http://www.flash-es.net/libros/moock.pdf
"For those new to ActionScripting, 'ActionScript for Flash MX: The Definitive Guide' is a great resource. 'ActionScript for Flash MX' is also an invaluable resource for those already comfortable with ActionScript. What makes this book unique is the fact that it is essentially two books in one: the first half of the book introduces readers to ActionScript theory, methodology, and practices; the second half is 500+ pages of ActionScript language reference. I found this section to be a great resource for quickly locating method, event, function, and class descriptions and examples."
--Wayne Graham, Williamsburg Macromedia User's Group, February 2003
"Moock's writing is clear and concise, discussing concepts in sufficient detail without over-explaining. The material flows smoothly from one chapter to the next, with ample introductions and conclusions at the their extremities to summarize the content. The vocabulary is challenging at times, simply because Moock uses precise programming terminology and doesn't 'dumb it down.' That doesn't mean, though, that this imposing black-and-white volume is dry and clinical. On the contrary, Moock's passion for ActionScript comes through in a warm, friendly tone, tinged with the excitement of exploring new possibilities with the reader....'ActionScript for Flash MX: The Definitive Guide, Second Edition' is another masterpiece from Moock. No matter what your experience level with Flash, there is tremendous value here. If you buy just one book this year, it should probably be The Two Towers. But if you buy a book after that, make it ASDG2."
--Robert Penner, Ultrashock.com, January 2003
"Like its predecessor, 'ActionScript for Flash MX: The Definitive Guide, Second Edition' (ASDG2) is the must-have book for ActionScript developers. Moock has delivered a comprehensive revision that not only details the myriad of new features in Flash MX, but explains the underlying shifts in methodology (especially with components and events) in a clear and accessible manner."
--Robert Penner, Author of "Robert Penner's Programming Macromedia Flash MX"
"I love this book. It's an approachable, yet incredibly in-depth exploration of ActionScript. If you're working with Flash MX--designer or programmer--this is a must have."
--Hillman Curtis, Founder, hillmancurtis, Inc. (http://www.hillmancurtis.com), Author, "Flash Web Design" and "MTIV: Process, Inspiration and Practice for the New Media Designer"
"You can't talk about this book without resorting to superlatives. Moock's 'ASDG2' is the most essential book on Flash programming you can buy. An exhaustive and indispensable reference, it pays equal attention to standard cases, best practices, and hidden gotchas. There is no ActionScripter who can't learn more about the language through reading it."
--Nigel Pegg, Component Engineer, Macromedia (Developer of the Flash UI Components)
"Colin has once again created a must-have reference for Flash developers. The in-depth coverage of Flash MX ActionScript is the most comprehensive resource and reference available. 'ASDG2' will once again be my reference of choice."
--Dave Yang, CEO and Developer, Quantumwave Interactive Inc.
"When the first edition of this book came out, it included information that simply did not exist anywhere else. This is twice as true for the second edition, which now deals with the ever more complex Flash MX. Once again, Moock and O'Reilly have produced the best-written, most organized, and meticulously proofed resource for Flash MX developers of all levels. Whether you are designer, programmer, or artist, this book is invaluable to your development and expression with Flash MX."-
-Amit Pitaru, Artist and Technologist (http://www.pitaru.com, http://www.insertsilence.com), Pratt Institute & NYU (http://itp.nyu.edu) Instructor, contributor to "New Masters of Flash: The 2002 Annual"
"This book is the 'End All' ActionScript resource by the man who quite frankly started it all."
--Todd Purgason, Creative Director and Co-founder of Juxt Interactive (http://www.juxtinteractive.com), Author, "Flash Deconstruction"
"'ASDG2' is a brilliantly concise and direct resource. It is broad and thorough, leaving practically no stone in Flash unturned. It is the only Flash book that I own, and there are many times that I would have been left tearing out my hair without it. Something about the way that Colin structures information and ideas makes even the most gruesomely technical regions of Flash seem natural to me."
--James Patterson, Artist (http://www.presstube.com), contributor to "New Masters of Flash"
"'ActionScript for Flash MX: The Definitive Guide' is the only place to go to learn how to take advantage of everything Flash MX can actually do. Macromedia doesn't even go into the detail that Colin Moock does. Whether you are taking a week to learn ActionScript or have an hour to work around a problem, 'ASDG2' is the only reference that will get you through it. Best of all, Moock is a wonderful writer, and he's excited! Never has a book on programming been so enjoyable to read."
--Josh Ulm, Founder, ioResearch Studios (http://www.ioresearch.com) and The Remedi Project (http://www.theremediproject.com)
"Moock's book is the one that never leaves the desktop. Whether you need answers in the middle of a tight project deadline or are looking to deepen your coding knowledge, it's the invaluable guide to the ins and outs of ActionScript."
--Glenn Thomas, Director and Founder, Smashing Ideas Inc (http://www.smashingideas.com), Author, "Flash Studio Secrets," Co-author, "Flash Enabled"
"'ActionScript for Flash MX: The Definitive Guide' is quite simply the most precise, well constructed book on Flash programming in print. Colin Moock obviously has a passion for getting it right."
--Jared Tarbell, Computational Artisan, (http://www.levitated.net), contributor to "Flash Math Creativity" and "Fresh Flash"
"The bottom line is that this book is an essential read for anyone who wishes to understand the mechanics of ActionScript. Colin Moock has even built a website to accompany this book with examples of most of the ActionScript that he discusses. There are also several appendixes in the back of the book that are a must have for an aspiring ActionScripter such as the complete ActionScript Language Reference. Nearly any question that has arisen for me has been answered by the Language Reference."
--Michael Levshakoff, UAA Flash Developers Group, July 2005
"'Actionscript for Flash MX: The Definitive Guide, Second Edition' is unquestionably the essential book for ActionScript programming in Flash MX. It has proven invaluable even for the engineers on the Macromedia Flash team, who see it as complementary to our own product documentation. Moock's meticulous attention to detail, evident throughout this fine volume, combined with his easygoing instructional style, ensure the book will be appreciated by newcomers and experts alike."
--Gary Grossman, Creator of ActionScript
"As a developer, instructor, and fellow author, I can't praise 'ActionScript for Flash MX: The Definitive Guide, Second Edition' enough. This book is simply indispensable for anyone working with Macromedia Flash. Colin has an incredible mastery of ActionScript and is able to convey his knowledge in a clear, concise, and often witty manner."
--Branden J. Hall, Senior Developer, Fig Leaf Software
"While there's a vast array of Flash books on the market (including my own!), time and time again, I recommend only one book: Colin Moock's 'Actionscript for Flash MX: The Definitive Guide, Second Edition.' Whether on its own or as a companion to any other Flash book you might buy, Colin's book provides a definitive holy grail of new concepts for Flash professionals around the world, and helps us keep our syntax correct!"
--Joshua Davis, Artist and Technologist (http://www.praystation.com)
Reviews From Previous Edition
"the most complete and thorough text for beginners and pro alike."
--Mark Christiansen, DV, May 2002
"Few Flash books are really worth owning. Most are either poorly written, have old code, or are ego strokes for their contributors. Some are all of the above. Colin Moock's ActionScript guide however is how the Macromedia Flash manual should have been written. His clear style helps ActionScript make sense, especially for those who don't come from a programming background. The only Flash book worth owning."
--http://www.whatdoiknow.org/
"In 'ActionScript: The Definitive Guide,' Moock has created a resource that will last you from your first day at ActionScripting through until you're a guru, wracking up the profits and living the high-life. The sheer volume of information in the book is astounding, but it's not just a technical reference; it's well taught and conveniently structured. Rating 10/10."
--Jesse Stratford, Actioscripts.org
"'Actionscript: The Definitive Guide' by Colin Moock was one of the best, if not best, instructional books that I have read on the Flash programming language, Actionscript. Moock uses very clear and comprehensive examples and goes into a great amount of detail in each lesson. I thoroughly enjoyed the interactive quiz example and breakdown, as well as the Actionscript reference at the end. Moock does an excellent job of using terminology that we can all understand...and you never get the feeling that he is talking 'down' to you. All in all, this was a very good book to read with a great deal of knowledge learned as a result. I look forward to more of Moock's titles in the future!"
--San Antonio Macromedia & ColdFusion UG, April 2002
"I've been mining O'Reilly's 'ActionScript: the Definitive Guide,' by Colin Moock, for a while now; it's a great book."
--Michael Hurwicz, Internet Eye, Jan 2002
"An outstanding book written by Colin Moock that explains Flash programming using ActionScript. A great resource."
--www.kirupa.com
"At Last, The Real Deal. Ever since Macromedia first tantalized us with Flash's vastly improved script capabilities in version 4, we have been waiting for the first decent book that really taught us, meaning Flash-using designers, how to get a handle on this thing called programming. Now, the very first book that does exactly that, and more, is here...whatever your level of interest in Flash is the one book you should keep with you constantly. Mine has a permanent place in the backpack I carry every day. When I am reading other Flash books I have this one open beside it, so I can look up and understand the concepts other authors tend to assume you already know as well as they do."
--Karl-Peter Gottschalk's weblog on art, advertising, culture and the other good stuff, Feb 2002
"This is the book for everybody who really wants to understand ActionScript. It documents all aspects of ActionScript you ever might want to know and really lets you understand what you are doing with your code."
--Waldo Smeets, Ultra DevZone, March 2002
"If this review seems a bit one-sided, then that's only because I have had real difficulty finding something I didn't enjoy. Trust me--I tried...So, to get down to the question of 'Do I buy it or blow my cash on some toys?' I'd say this is a definite keeper. It follows the high standard set by O'Reilly books in general and Colin Moock's conversational tone and sheer depth of knowledge make it undoubtedly worth the asking price...If you are in the market to learn, to really learn about the hows and whys of ActionScript, then this is the book you have been waiting for."
--Jackie McGhee, eDevCafe
"This is a very well written book that is easy to understand and covers everything you need to know...I highly recommend this book for anyone seriously interested in learning Flash design. Even a beginner, with no programming experience, can learn to program using this book."
--Linda Roeder, Personal Web Pages, About.com
