What is ActionScript2
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- ok_jason
Does anybody really have the lowdown on why Macromedia is calling the new Flash code Actionscript 2? I have heard from a beta tester that it is full on Java...
Not sure how it would be backwards compatable, but sounds possible.
- unfittoprint0
macromedia making a mistake.
Actionscript with added features.
- Peter0
No one can be told what the Actionscript2 really is. You have to see it for yourself.
- jevad0
it's like...you know...what is the matrix? deep...
- sauceruney0
why am I bothering to learn actionscript at all if they're going to keep fucking with it?
to hell with macromedia. everything I do is going to be flash 5 or MX compatible
- shellie0
would macromedia really change up anything that much? people would have to learn a code all over again?
- ok_jason0
well it looks like we all know as little as the other about this...
I am studying up on java until I here otherwise.
- Peter0
Jevad, I know, I know. It's just morning here. I haven't had coffee. I haven't woken up yet.
* hides in shame
- jevad0
; )
- JazX0
it's fucking going to be the damn same, with just some added features, mark my word.
- Peter0
It happened before.
Maybe it'll turn to "ActionscriptMX" after the 5th edition?
- ok_jason0
ActionScript 2.0
With object-oriented programming support and a more robust, European Computer Manufacturers Association (ECMA) standards-compliant programming model, ActionScript 2.0 is more familiar to experienced Java programmers. Compile ActionScript 2.0 code to ActionScript 1.0 for playback on earlier versions of the Macromedia Flash Player.
- CyBrainX0
I'm guessing Jazx is right and it isn't much different than 5/MX, but I would be pissed if I had to deal with something drastic as the change from 4 to 5, even if it is an improvement.
- nosaj0
It doesn't really matter. It's the fundamentals of programming in this type of enviornment that are what matter, the code can be learned. Actionscript isn't that far from Lingo, you think the same way just different syntax.
- cinder0
It's additional data halnding stuff, as i understand it
aka - you can continue on using Flash MX code blissfully unaware
(although there are some new things in the 'normal' actionscript)
- eps0
Actionscript 2 is just a more strict version of Actionscript. For example, it is now case sensitive. It just conforms closer to the ECMA standards and has some added features. It is not Java. It is no more Java then MX. But it has some new javascript features like error handling.
It is not that big of a change. You can choose to use version one or two in your projects. BUt some of the new features like databinding and the new halo components are created using AS2.
Eric
- _b_0
"With the introduction of keywords such as class, interface, extends, and implements, ActionScript syntax is now easier to learn for programmers familiar with other languages. New programmers can learn more standard terminology that they can apply to other object-oriented languages they may study in the future."
http://www.flashdevils.com/flash…
have a read of that, it's not just data handling stuff in the new language, its an attempt at making the whole application coding side of Flash more robust - strict data typing etc
- ok_jason0
_B_
thanks...that was what I was looking for. Be sure to check out the link mentioned on the page you posted..
- CyBrainX0
As a designer who is moderately good with Action Script, this means, I will be working the same way, but if I have to handle a real programmer's file, I will be shit up the creek. Luckily, that doensn't happen that often.
- ilmarine0
ok, some mumblings about the new flash :
strings (ie. the ability to publish content in different languages) is just plain fantastic!
word wrapping - previously i could have killed for this ;)
flash context menus (new AS class) - yay hooray!
mouse.onmousewheel - wow!!!
stylesheets - i mean come on!
overall i think it will be a blast. however the new actionscript looks like it really is an almost new language. so, back to school!
- enobrev0
from what i've heard as of yet, it's a gret thing. It's about time the code end of flash has come to par.
Flash has the best potential to be a lightweight application frontend of most technologies available via the browser.
Finally, the programmers will be allowed to code using coding standards they cherish in other languages.
AND macro was smart enoguh to keep support for AS 1, which means you're losing nothing, but can potentially gain something if you take the time to delve into the development side of things.
It seems to me they're tryign to make it so you no longer have to create workarounds in order to program with OOP techniques.
PErsonally, I' looking forward to it, as every time i try to code somethign robust with AS i find myself caught up i nhundreds of workarounds due to the limitations of the lanugage.
AND, as faras i can tell, they are making it more possible to allow the developers to do their thing without getting in the designers' way and vice versa.