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A.2 ActionScript and Programming Web Sites

ActionScript for Flash MX: The Definitive Guide book site

http://www.moock.org/asdg

The download center for all the samples in this book (the Code Depot), plus dozens of other common ActionScript examples. Also provides book updates, technotes, sample chapters, errata, and news. Maintained by the author.

moockmarks

http://www.moock.org/moockmarks

The author's bookmarks. Lists hundreds of sites with technical information and design inspiration for Flash and web design in general.

Macromedia's Flash Support Center

http://www.macromedia.com/support/flash

A thriving collection of information for ActionScript and Flash. Contains the entire text of Macromedia's ActionScript Dictionary and a regularly updated database of technotes for Flash developers. Start your search for answers here. A trial version of the Flash authoring tool can be downloaded from: http://www.macromedia.com/software/flash/trial.

Macromedia Exchange for Flash

http://www.macromedia.com/exchange/flash

A collection of professional-quality components, .fla project files, and ActionScript samples. Content is hosted and endorsed by Macromedia but codeveloped by the Flash community. Access to samples requires use of an installation utility called the Extension Manager, which is also available at the Exchange.

Flash Kit

http://www.flashkit.com

Internet.com's Flash Kit is the largest third-party source of Flash help. The site has everything under the Flash sun: sample files, message boards, tutorials, news, feature articles, interviews, chat, gallery, and much more. Unfortunately, the incredible volume sometimes obscures worthwhile content. Of special interest to Flash programmers are the ActionScript sample .fla files available for download at http://www.flashkit.com/movies/Scripting.

Ultrashock

http://www.ultrashock.com

A general portal for Flash developers, Ultrashock maintains a lively collection of ActionScript-centric .fla files and tutorials, as well as a well-trafficked developer forum.

We're Here

http://www.were-here.com

A large, active group of web-based message boards for discussing Flash and ActionScript. Also features articles, example .fla files, tutorials, and Flash news.

Flashcoders mailing list

http://chattyfig.figleaf.com

Administered by Branden Hall, this active Flash developer's email list focuses specifically on intermediate to advanced ActionScript. It is a great place to learn practical techniques and have questions answered by peers, but it is not for general Flash questions or site checks. Archives are searchable and posted on a monthly basis. Check the archives for answers before posting questions.

Brandon Williams's and Ethan Kennedy's Flash Experiments

http://www20.brinkster.com/ahab/flash5

A large collection of advanced math-based ActionScript demos. Dozens of sample .fla files are available for study, covering 3D, fractals, and many visual physics effects. Includes in-depth articles on math-based programming in Flash.

Flash MX 3D component system

http://www.benchun.net/mx3d

A series of 3D engine components for Flash Player 6. Written by Ben Chun, MIT alumnus and Macromedia engineer.

Flash API

http://www.yestoall.com/flashAPI

An assortment of libraries for Flash development. Includes visual tools (such as skewing and spinning), object enhancements (such as sound pan control), and utilities (such as timers, loaders, easing equations, and distance calculators).

[PROTO]type

http://www.layer51.com/proto

A community-based website for posting extensions to ActionScript's built-in classes (in other words, new methods and properties for things such as String, Array, and XML). There are hundreds of submissions, many of which are very useful.

The comp.graphics.algorithms FAQ

http://www.faqs.org/faqs/graphics/algorithms-faq

Describes mathematical solutions to a wide variety of graphics programming problems. Ranges from simpler topics (such as, "How do I find the distance from a point to a line?") to advanced 3D issues, normally outside the realm of ActionScript programming.

Archived Macromedia Flash Players

http://www.macromedia.com/support/flash/ts/documents/oldplayers.htm

Download old versions of the Macromedia Flash Player for testing.

General game-programming resources

The following sites offer useful information for designing, planning, and programming games (these are non-ActionScript-specific sites):

http://www.gamedev.net
http://www.flipcode.com
http://www.javascript-games.org
Flash and Active Server Pages (ASP)

The following articles from ASP 101 provide a good introduction to integrating Flash with ASP to create a simple Flash form:

http://www.asp101.com/articles/flash
http://www.asp101.com/articles/flash2
Macromedia Flash Communication Server MX (Comm Server)

The Comm Server API (e.g., Remote SharedObject, Camera, Microphone, NetConnection, and NetStream) is used to create multiuser web applications. Information about Comm Server's real-time data, video, and audio streaming for Flash can be found at:

http://www.macromedia.com/software/flashcom
http://www.flashcom.info
Macromedia Flash Remoting MX (Flash Remoting)

Flash Remoting allows you to use Flash as a front end to remote web applications and web services, including those built with ColdFusion MX. For more information on Flash Remoting, see:

http://www.macromedia.com/software/flash/flashremoting

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