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For those of you still using flash mx (I
am too, so don't be shy), It's about time you underwent
the switch from mx to 2004. While Flash MX is good for still
almost anything, there are subtle changes going on, that
require a little more intact and stable working environment;
That of course, being the latest version of Macromedia's
flash editor. In this article I am going to cover some of
the new aspects you may see in the transition between the
two programs, as well as what to expect if you are just
starting out with flash.
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Interface
Lets start with the first thing you see when you open flash mx
2004; the interface. Chances are, you are going to see things
relatively the same, but more abundantly. This section is especially
confusing for new designers. As overwhelming as it may seem to
be at first, this layout will soon take a considerate amount of
appreciation. The overall design is formed upon the idea of moving
through panes and toolboxes; much to the opposite of flash 5,
which had floating boxes at every corner. You will find this result
in almost all of the Studio MX 2004 series programs.
Using this new program, you will also find the substantially
higher level use of the keyboard when you use this program. This
may increase the slope of the learning curve, but infact, this
makes things alot less complicated, having a "toolbox"
at your fingertips (Ha, had to make a joke).
Usability (functionality)
Flash has always been renowned for its' capabilities as a true
vector program. All of the features you would see in flash mx
are still in 2004, but with a greater level of compatibility;
as far as sound, imaging, and other macromedia stoop files.
MX 2004 also provides a much higher level of access through video
editing, especially in the switch from its predecessor MX2004
offers exclusive new components within the program to handle such
types of files. it offers the capability to run, playback, and
stream video using built-in tools. Macromedia also provides an
external program called "sorenson Squeeze" which allows
you to further utilize video within flash. be advised, that Sorenson
Squeeze is designed to both add functionality as well as compatibility
to flash video. it exports FLV files or flash video files, which
run on almost any computer containing the flash player. You also
have a number of options as far as quality, streaming options,
and other miscellaneous options regarding your video file.
AS 2.0
You may have known about the new introduction to AS2 and the
change of the Flash 5 and MX programming language as AS1. There
are also a number of changes that take place between the two codes.
For those of you who have been using AS1 for some time, here are
some primer features in the new language:
1. Strong Typing: This refers to the fact that you can
now declare variables within flash so that they can hold only
one type of data. Some types include: String type, Movieclip type,
or Color type. This feature also applies to function parameters.
This ties up any loose ends as far as using variables in AS1.
But this also means you cannot simply declare variables anymore.
So instead of :
datavar = blahblah;
you have
var datavar:String = "blahblah";
Notice that the "string" is also used, this inhibits
all text data, and prohibits any use of another character, such
as a number. This also clears up any errors that would occur in
the latter version of AS1.
2. Function return typing: This feature is similar in comparison
to strong typing. If a function returns a value then you can specify
the type of value that it should return. If the function is not
intended to return a value then you can specify that the function
does not return a value. This is yet another feature that helps
avoid many coding mistakes, and it works hand in hand with strong
typing. For example, if you declare a function to return a String,
and you try to assign that value to a variable typed as Number,
then Flash will generate an error.
3. Formal class syntax: This is, perhaps, the biggest new
feature of ActionScript 2.0. ActionScript 1.0 lacks a formal class
syntax, and instead, uses prototypes. ActionScript 2.0 supports
public, private, and static class members, inheritance, and interfaces.
Not trying to go into too much detail, those are some of the
primary changes and/or features within AS2.0. This will hopefully
provide some solid ground for those of you who are accustomed
to using As1 and its syntax.
I think that just about covers all the latest features that come
with Flash MX 2004. If you are entirely new to flash, I would
advise starting fresh and going with this program. And if you
are still using MX, I would also recommend you start using this
as well. Sooner or later, the Flash MX AS1 will become obsolete,
but that remains to be seen. I hope you enjoyed this guide-through,
and hopefully it encouraged you to make the upgrade.
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