Product Description

ActionScript 3, Flex, and Flexbuilder 2 are the hot new technologies from Adobe allowing Flash developers to build even more powerful Flash applications than ever before. This book is a comprehensive tutorial guide that will teach readers everything they need to know about these new technologies, from the very beginning, right up to advanced topics. Readers will have some general web development experience, and ideally have Flash and ActionScripting experience, although this isn't essential. Charles E Brown is an expert in Flash development and training—his in-depth knowledge of application development and effective teaching methods has been vital in producing this essential tome.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #297153 in Books
• Published on: 2007-02-28
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 520 pages

About the Author
Charles E Brown is one of the most noted authors and teachers in the computer industry today, his books receiving critical acclaim and being consistent bestsellers.

He conducts frequent seminars for the PC Learning Center, on topics including Java Programming, the Adobe Software Suites, and the MS Office environment.

Charles is also a noted classical organist, pianist and guitarist, and studied alongside such notables as Vladimir Horowitz, Virgil Fox and Igor Stravinsky. It was becasue of his association with Stravinsky that he got to meet, and develop a friendship with, famed artist Pablo Picasso.

Customer Reviews

Easy to read, makes Flex 2 quite easy to learn
When I've bought this book I just had had a very quick look at Flex 2 on Adobe website. It seemed quite powerful straight away, and in fact it really is. My favourite programming language is PHP, I've recently started implementing AJAX techniques in my applications, but I've never programmed in ActionScript. Despite the fact I didn't start using Flex 2 seriously yet, I don't find it difficult at all, and that's Mr Brown's merit. I've read my first 290 pages, following all of the examples with Flex Builder 2, and it only took me one day. I'm looking forward to learn more about it and I'll soon develop my Flex applications.

Not a complete guide
Amazon lists the book title as "the complete guide" but it's far from complete (and the actual title is "the essential guide"). There's nothing particularly wrong with the book, but if you're looking for something that goes deep into Flex and ActionScript 3.0 then this is not the book for you. I'd describe it as a gentle introduction to Flex itself, with a smattering of ActionScript at best. I'm sure if you've only ever done Flash and are a complete beginner when it comes to scripting, this would be a good book.

Brilliant for PHP programmers looking to start with Flex and Actionscript
I need to completely overhaul a large web admin application which I'm responsible for writing. I really like the idea of Flex for separating the GUI components from the business logic and I'm going to use it for the overhaul. I'm a procedural PHP programmer (I know, it's my age!) and so I've been looking at OOP principles with PHP 5 so I'm really and OOP NOOB!

Anyway, I've just started into this book with no former knowledge of Actionscript and just an overview of OOP. It is an ideal book in this scenario as most other books and tutorials I've read do the "here's an XML file and here's a data grid showing the contents" but don't really show Action script alongside in any meaty way. I am completely delighted with this book as I can learn properly now, how the whole lot fits together. Anybody who's close to my scenario will find this book a gem, I highly recommend it. The writing is clear and you really start from first principles which is important for a more complete understanding of the system. Buy it!