Your Professional Resource for Developing with Flash MX

Maximize the capabilities of Macromedia Flash MX--the preeminent tool for Web-based, interactive, multimedia applications, animation, and content generation--with the advanced development strategies in this professional resource. Inside, you’ll find full details on using all of Flash’s versatile elements, developing with ActionScript, utilizing dynamic data from MySQL using PHP, integrating with third-party development tools such as SWF Studio, QuickTime, and Director, and creating Flash 3D vector animation with low-cost tools. Build flexible, fast-loading Web pages and applications using Macromedia Flash MX and this expert resource.

• Use ActionScript--from basic features to advanced techniques
• Incorporate programmatic motion into your Flash applications
• Integrate data from dynamic sources
• Build a Flash front end for PHP/MySQL applications
• Read, parse, and format XML data in Flash
• Optimize audio and visual elements for streaming
• Build Flash and JavaScript bridged applications
• Create engaging Flash designs using traditional design principles
• Set attractive text with proven typographic principles
• Model and rig 3-D characters and animations for Flash vector animation

From the deepest knowledge to the highest point of Flash achievement, go vertical with this hard-core resource. Develop resizable navigation interfaces, graphics, and animation that load and function efficiently, and master ActionScript.

Some good, Some bad, Overall so-so
I found many of the example files missing from the download (which in my opinion is pretty weak - where’s the cd with the examples???) that was a major disadvantage. The sections that talked about application development were pretty good, but most of the booked seemed irrelevant. I think the title Developer’s Guide is a little misleading. I thought Developer referred to application developer, but I guess it is referring to any Flash development. The book does cover a lot of different topics from 3D to Generator (which does not even apply to MX????). So if you are looking for a book covering a little on a lot this may be it.

I disagree with the other reviews. This book is worth your $
I don’t generally write reviews on Amazon, but I just happened to take a look at the reviews for this book and found them unjust and wanted to share my views. My reason for purchasing this book was the extremely well documented chapter dealing with XML and Flash. I recently took the Flash Developers Exam and did not do so hot on the XML section of the test. After reading the first 5 pages in this chapter I found all the question I got wrong on the exam. Their coding styles teach you how to use the a lot of the new Flash MX features which is a huge help if you are just now coming over from Flash 5 (or earlier). I found that a good portion of the book covered topics that was covered on the test and really made me surprised as to how much I really didn’t know about Flash. This is a book every Flash DEVELOPER should have on their shelves...

Waiter!, the check please...
I have no other option than to agree with some of the others here who have found it necessary to beat this book up a bit. It’s deserved. This book is really a Flash 5 book masquerading as a MX source. There is some sprinkling of material in there, but this book should never have been able to have that title. Of course MX means sales. It’s the latest & greatest at the moment. There are plenty of great MX books out there... I suggest you pick one of those books up and leave this one alone. Sorry...

Stay Away From This Book
I picked this up based on the comments and the fact it was one of the first books about Flash MX on the market at the time. I was so disappointed with the book. I’ve been working with FLash for a bit and I was lost with what he was trying to say. Don’t believe the hype.

I’m shocked!
I’ve read some reviews here and I’m shoked. These good reviews are not true.
I am really disappointed from this book.
I’ve read many flash mx books and I can say this is NOT a Flash mx book. This is a Flash 5 book badly (very badly) rearranged to the Mx sauce. It tells you that video in Flash Mx (!) is not so important so it is better to talk on using flash in quicktime. It talks you about Flash Generator (Generator is an obsolete Macromedia product and most of it’s function are now included in Mx). I’m sorry to see the author dedicates the books to his parents. Shame on him.