Lesson 19. Testing and Debugging
In computer-driven interactive content, errors in code are referred to as bugsand they can be as ugly and bothersome as their name implies. Although your project is probably not as complex as a major piece of software, you're still likely to discover some glitches. If you don't want to scare off your audience, you'll need to exterminate these bugs.One of the keys to becoming a Flash master is understanding the need for testing and debugging. It doesn't matter how good your project is: if you don't test and debug it, you're putting your reputation (not to mention your neck) on the line. But testing is about more than simply eliminating mistakes; it's also about optimizing your movie so that it plays back in the most efficient manner. Luckily, the powerful testing tools in Macromedia Flash make this process quick and easy.
The Debugger plays an essential role in finding and eliminating bugs in your projects. This lesson shows you how to use the Debugger.
WHAT YOU WILL LEARNIn this lesson, you will:Learn how to avoid common scripting mistakesLearn how auto-generated messages from Flash can help you locate and squash compile-time bugsFind run-time bugs by using the trace() actionUse Flash's built-in Debugger toolSet and use breakpoints to control the execution of scripts in a projectLearn how to debug a movie playing in a browser windowAPPROXIMATE TIMEThis lesson takes approximately 45 minutes to complete.LESSON filesStarting File:Lesson19/Assets/Testing1.flaCompleted Project:Testing3.fla
• Table of ContentsMacromedia® Flash MX 2004 ActionScript: Training from the SourceBy
Derek Franklin, Jobe Makar Publisher: Peachpit PressPub Date: November 19, 2003ISBN: 0-321-21343-2Pages: 636
Sure, you can use Flash MX 2004 without being a master programmer, but as any Flash developer worth his or her salt will tell you, you''''re not tapping all of its power unless you''''re taking advantage of its scripting language "ActionScript 2.0" which offers a more robust programming model and better object-oriented programming support than ever before. Here to take the fear factor out of learning it are Flash veterans and best-selling authors Derek Franklin and Jobe Makar, who demonstrate that scripting is an instinctual process you already know by translating real-life activities into ActionScript scripts. In these pages, you''''ll find methodologies and techniques for building over 40 real-life Flash ActionScript projects, including sample games, applications, Web sites, and more. New in this edition are coverage of ActionScript 2.0, Web services, Components, Printing, Video, and more. On the companion CD, you''''ll find all the project files and images you need to complete each project.