The best way to learn AS 3.0

[gordon0]

Hi! All,

I'm a web disgner, and I really want to learn and master AS 3.0. I only know a bit on AS 2.0 scripting in flash. What is the best way to master AS 3.0 in Flash?

I have read many tutorials on AS 3.0 online, but still not getting much from there. Is there any excellent book or learning material I can get from anywhere?

Please help! Thank you very much!! :x

[Undernet]

The best book on AS3> OReilly.Essential.ActionScript.3.0.Jun.2007

other good books>

OReilly.ActionScript.3.0.Cookbook.Oct.2006

Advanced ActionScript 3 with Design Patterns

[paularmstrong]

Learn by doing.

Then, use what you've learned to do it again.

Then, use what more you've learned to redo it one more time.

You will find ways to optimize things, you'll learn how much better it is to use classes, you'll learn so much.

Pick something relatively easy that you want to make. A photo slideshow is a good one. After a while you'll realize that you want to have controls, you might want it to autoplay and be able to dynamically set the timer.

I've always found that this is the best way to learn something completely new. It's going to take a long time to write the project the first time and it's probably going to be done very poorly. That's why you do it again. Eventually, you will realize your mistakes and learn from them.

[Dom_]

You can start with reading a book (the Essential AS3.0 book by C Moock is preety neat) and then as said above, practice makes 'perfect'.


You will find ways to optimize things, you'll learn how much better it is to use classes, you'll learn so much.
I can't agree more with that! learn OOP programming, it's better than sliced bread :sure:

[nvidia]

Hi just seen your post. One thing i would like to add is that with every other development or design language out there, to become really profecient does take alot of time and patience. You don't become a flash developer over night. However, learning from books and video tutorials, Lynda.com is highly recommended, helps build the foundation of learning AS 3.0. But just learning from books won't be enought, to become a real pro i strongly suggest you take on a project for yourself.

For example, if you take myself, i'm no Flash Developer but i have been learning since August so i know some basics. My friend has asked me develop his company website to be done in Flash which i have accepted. By doing this, it develops my skills of AS and helps refine them a little. I also know it won't be easy, but given time i can do it.

What i am trying to say is, learning from educational resources is 1 piece of the pie, but without being able to develope a real application for somebody or for a working environment you won't be going anywhere and your skills will only grow a little. That is why when you feel you are reasonably good with AS 3.0, take on a project for yourself like i have. It increases your skills and makes you more confident, plus its good to put on your CV!.

Hope that helps.

[gordon0]

Thank you so much! Guys!!
It really helps!
:thumb:

[Gathan]

Reading materials from books and materials is a good starting point.
Like anything understanding and knowledge take time.
Start out with a small project to accomplish, and work your way up to harder things.
Practicing your skills and increasing your understanding of things is the best way to master something.
I don't learn very much from reading a book myself, instead I prefer a more hands on approach to learning.