How can I get started with ActionScript?

Question

I would like to learn a bit about using ActionScript. I currently know zero about Flash and such, so I kind of want to learn a bit, so I am not so lost when it comes to this subject. Are there some really simple tutorials on how to get started?

Please include:

Development environment needed (IDE, and such)

Something as simple as a Hello, World! would be fine. At this moment, I don't even know the difference between ActionScript and Flash.

This topic is incredibly large. Perhaps you could get a more helpful set of responses if you explain what you're trying to accomplish and why you want to use Flash for the purpose. — scriptocalypse
– scriptocalypse, Commented Mar 7, 2011 at 18:53
read books - there are some very good ones. SO query "actionscript 3 books". — Chunky Chunk
– Chunky Chunk, Commented Mar 8, 2011 at 16:26

John Giotta · Accepted Answer · 2011-03-07 18:57:28Z

5

Get yourself a copy of FlashDevelop
Create a new project
Select from the dialog "AS3 Project"
Open the Main.as file
Save the below

Hit F5 to Test Movie, your first Hello World

package {
    import flash.display.Sprite;
    import flash.events.Event;
    import flash.text.TextField;

    public class Main extends Sprite 
    {
        public function Main():void 
        {
            if (stage) init();
            else addEventListener(Event.ADDED_TO_STAGE, init);
        }
        private function init(e:Event = null):void 
        {
            removeEventListener(Event.ADDED_TO_STAGE, init);
            var txt:TextField = new TextField();
            txt.text = "Hello World";
            addChild(txt);
        }
    }
 }

edited Mar 7, 2011 at 18:57

user216441

answered Mar 7, 2011 at 18:35

John Giotta

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8 Comments

Alpine Over a year ago

@John Is Flash and Flex same?

user216441 Over a year ago

Depends on the context, for the player, yes, they all generate .swf, but the way you make them is different.

John Giotta Over a year ago

Not really. With Flex you'll mostly use MXML (a language). Flash is the software. Flex and Flash both use ActionScript 3.

scriptocalypse Over a year ago

Flex is a framework built on top of what's already available in the Flash player. It's an extra set of functionality and components, and it may or may not be appropriate for your project. The flex compiler, on the other hand, doesn't require you to use those framework components... it's just a way to compile Actionscript without requiring you to use or purchase the Flash IDE or FlashBuilder.

Alpine Over a year ago

@scriptocalypse For getting started with ActionScript what is better/easier Flex or Flash?

|

Peter Mortensen · Accepted Answer · 2025-08-10 04:32:29Z

1

GotoAndLearn.com is the best place to start with Flash/ActionScript. Go back to some of the older videos. There are a lot of basics covered. Some probably have a little bit of outdated info because Flash has come a long way, but it will give you some good history :)

Also it is probably good to know a bit of the background, of how we got to where we are. So the Adobe Flash page on Wikipedia is probably pretty good for that.

Here are a few other good references:

edited Aug 10 at 4:32

Peter Mortensen

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answered Mar 7, 2011 at 20:32

Adam Harte

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Comments

Matthias · Accepted Answer · 2011-03-07 18:51:07Z

0

First, you should understand the concept of the display list. To start writing your own piece of code, I highly recommend FlashDevelop. It's a rich-featured IDE (MIT License). But don't cold-shoulder the Adobe Flash IDE. It is good to know the difference of a programmer IDE (FlashDevelop) and designer IDE. When you feel comfortable with the basics, this blog about AS3 design patterns gives you great input.

answered Mar 7, 2011 at 18:51

Matthias

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Comments

Alpine · Accepted Answer · 2011-03-07 18:38:07Z

-1

Take a look at Flash and ActionScript Tutorials

It covers almost everything

Animation
Drawing and Design
Common Tasks
ActionScript 3 Basics
Using External Data
Sound
Special Effects
Game Development

answered Mar 7, 2011 at 18:38

Alpine

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