ActionScript: The Definitive Guide

Productivity

Here are some tips to streamline ActionScript source code authoring:

• Keep all timeline scripts on an independent layer called scripts. Do not place any content on the scripts layer; use it exclusively for code. Store this layer at the top of your layer structure so that its code executes after all other layers have loaded (or at the bottom if you set your Load Order to Top Down). If you always keep the scripts layer in the same place, it’s easy to find your code. (We know from the previous section how valuable that can be!)

• Keep all frame labels on an independent layer called labels. Do not place any content on the labels layer; use it exclusively for frame labels.

• Take a look under the arrow button in the top-right corner of the Actions panel. You’ll find handy tools such as search and replace, source code printing, and Script pane font control.

• When working with code libraries used on multiple projects, save code in external files. See Section 16.7, for details.

• To save typing, use the shortcut keys provided for Actions (for example, Esc- G-P for gotoAndPlay( ) ). Shortcut sequences are listed under the plus (+) button in the Actions panel.

• Reconfigure the Actions panel to place it with the other code-centric panels: Instance, Frame, and Text Options. Simply open up any panel under Window → Panels, and then drag the Actions panel onto it.

• Notice that the Toolbox is resizable. To save space while coding, you can hide the Toolbox, partially or completely, by dragging the ...