Adobe Flash Professional CS6 Adobe Flash Professional CS6 Classroom In A Book | Page 226

naming rules
Naming instances is a critical step in creating interactive Flash projects. The
most common mistake made by novices is not to name, or to incorrectly name,
a button instance.
The instance names are important because ActionScript uses the names to refer-
ence those objects. Instance names are not the same as the symbol names in the
Library panel. The names in the Library panel are simply organizational reminders.
Instance naming follows these simple rules:
1 Do not use spaces or special punctuation. Underscores are okay to use.
2 Do not begin a name with a number.
3 Be aware of uppercase and lowercase letters. Instance names are case-sensitive.
4 End your button name with _btn. Although it is not required, it helps identify
those objects as buttons.
5 Do not use any word that is reserved for a Flash ActionScript command.
Understanding actionScript 3.0
Adobe Flash Professional CS6 uses ActionScript 3.0, a robust scripting language, to
extend the functionality of Flash. Although ActionScript 3.0 may seem intimidating
to you if you’re new to scripting, you can get great results with some very simple
scripts. As with any language, it’s best if you take the time to learn the syntax and
some basic terminology.
about actionScript
ActionScript, which is similar to JavaScript, lets you add more interactivity to Flash
animations. In this lesson, you’ll use ActionScript to attach behaviors to buttons. You’ll
also learn how to use ActionScript for such simple tasks as stopping an animation.
You don’t have to be a scripting expert to use ActionScript. In fact, for common
tasks, you may be able to copy script that other Flash users have shared. And you
can also use the Code Snippets panel, which provides an easy, visual way to add
ActionScript to your project or share ActionScript code among developers.
However, you’ll be able to accomplish much more in Flash—and feel more confi-
dent using the application—if you understand how ActionScript works.
This lesson isn’t designed to make you an ActionScript expert. Instead, it intro-
duces common terms and syntax, walks you through a simple script, and provides
an introduction to the ActionScript language.
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