The ActionScript 2.0 Language Reference for Macromedia Flash 8 is a comprehensive reference manual that describes the application programming interface (API) for Macromedia Flash Player, the most pervasive client runtime environment in the world. It includes valuable syntax and usage information; detailed descriptions of classes, functions, properties, and events; and copy-and-paste code samples for every element in the ActionScript language.

The ActionScript 2.0 Language Reference for Macromedia Flash 8 will help you:
•    Learn how to use specific APIs efficiently and effectively
•    Understand the range and variety of functionality ActionScript offers
•    Repurpose Macromedia-tested code in your own applications

Powerful development and design tools require thorough and authoritative technical advice and documentation. When it comes to Macromedia Flash, no one is more authoritative than Macromedia Development and writing teams. Now their official documentation is available to you in printed book form. As you work, keep this guide by your side for ready access to valuable information on using Flash. We’ve designed it so that it’s easy to annotate as you progress.

Great addition to the library
Review of Actionscript Language Reference for Macromedia Flash 8

Introduction:

Actionscript Language Reference for Macromedia Flash 8 from Macromedia Press and Rew Riders is a "thick book" that every Flash Designer or Developer should have sitting next to the keyboard. But don’t let the words "Macromedia Flash" fool you into thinking this book is about animation or designing in Flash. This is a no nonsense dictionary-style resource that provides a ton of information about the powerful scripting language behind Flash 8.

Because this is a reference book, I will be comparing the content to another book published by New Riders and Macromedia Press, Macromedia Flash MX 2004 Actionscript 2.0 Dictionary. These two books are very similar in content and I would consider the Flash 8 book to be the second
edition of the Flash MX 2004 book.


First the bad news:

Because I had previously read the Flash MX 2004 book, I was a little suprised to see that the Flash 8 book has omitted, in my opinion, some valualbe editorial content in the beginning of the book. The Flash MX 2004 book includes articles from Flash Community Leaders that helps to build a good foundation for the rest of the book. The second issue that I had while reviewing the Flash 8 book was that it was a bit harder to find the reference information I needed. This is because the Flash 8 book uses a different style to list the language elements that is a bit harder to read (see below example).


Flash MX 2004 Dictionary: LoadVars.onData

Flash 8 Language Reference: onData(LoadVars.onData handler)


The second example bunches up the information and provides redundant information, and the issue is compounded by the Font style that is used which a bit too "bubbly" and does not stand out as much as the font used in the Flash MX 2004 book.



Now for the good news:

While the lack of introductory content is a small issue, the Flash 8 book more than makes up for it with extra content added for each language element listed. The explanations have improved and I think the money spent on this book is given back by the greatly improved examples that are provided for each listing. There is not longer just a few lines of code for each example. The book now has extended examples that really help to explain how the language element should be used while.


Conclusion:

While there is room for improvement, this reference manual is full of examples that make up for any Issues that I have with the fonts and listing format. The depth of information is what makes this book a very valuable asset to own, and I would highly recommend picking up your own copy. On a scale of 1 to 10 I would give this book an 8.5 and recommend it to any Flash Developer or Flash Designer looking for a reference manual on Actionscript for the Flash 8 environment.

Great addition to the library
Review of Actionscript Language Reference for Macromedia Flash 8



Introduction:



Actionscript Language Reference for Macromedia Flash 8 from Macromedia Press and Rew Riders is a "thick book" that every Flash Designer or Developer should have sitting next to the keyboard. But don’t let the words "Macromedia Flash" fool you into thinking this book is about animation or designing in Flash. This is a no nonsense dictionary-style resource that provides a ton of information about the powerful scripting language behind Flash 8.



Because this is a reference book, I will be comparing the content to another book published by New Riders and Macromedia Press, Macromedia Flash MX 2004 Actionscript 2.0 Dictionary. These two books are very similar in content and I would consider the Flash 8 book to be the second

edition of the Flash MX 2004 book.





First the bad news:



Because I had previously read the Flash MX 2004 book, I was a little suprised to see that the Flash 8 book has omitted, in my opinion, some valualbe editorial content in the beginning of the book. The Flash MX 2004 book includes articles from Flash Community Leaders that helps to build a good foundation for the rest of the book. The second issue that I had while reviewing the Flash 8 book was that it was a bit harder to find the reference information I needed. This is because the Flash 8 book uses a different style to list the language elements that is a bit harder to read (see below example).





Flash MX 2004 Dictionary: LoadVars.onData



Flash 8 Language Reference: onData(LoadVars.onData handler)





The second example bunches up the information and provides redundant information, and the issue is compounded by the Font style that is used which a bit too "bubbly" and does not stand out as much as the font used in the Flash MX 2004 book.







Now for the good news:



While the lack of introductory content is a small issue, the Flash 8 book more than makes up for it with extra content added for each language element listed. The explanations have improved and I think the money spent on this book is given back by the greatly improved examples that are provided for each listing. There is not longer just a few lines of code for each example. The book now has extended examples that really help to explain how the language element should be used while.





Conclusion:



While there is room for improvement, this reference manual is full of examples that make up for any Issues that I have with the fonts and listing format. The depth of information is what makes this book a very valuable asset to own, and I would highly recommend picking up your own copy. On a scale of 1 to 10 I would give this book an 8.5 and recommend it to any Flash Developer or Flash Designer looking for a reference manual on Actionscript for the Flash 8 environment.

Excellent Resource for all Flash 8 Developers
Bought this after upgrading from Flash MX 2004 Pro to Flash 8 in order to delve deeper into AS 2.0 and the new classes offered in Macromedia/Adobe’s latest Flash release. This is the best resource I have found for any Flash release and has earned a permanent spot on my desk until I upgrade again.