Lesson 9. Automating Scripts with Loops
We all have to perform repetitive tasks. Whether complicated or simple, a repetitive task requires performing at least one step in a process repeatedly. For example, if you were sending out 100 wedding invitations, repetitive tasks in that process could include folding papers, stuffing envelopes, sealing envelopes, and affixing stampsyou'd do each task 100 times. In ActionScript, performing a set of repeated steps (actions) multiple times is called looping. ActionScript lets you loop through a set of actions as many times as needed, which means that instead of writing an action (or set of actions) several times, you can write it once and loop through it any number of times. In this lesson, you'll learn how to use the three loop types that ActionScript offers.
The drop-down list as well as the two-by-two grid of pictures in this application will be created dynamically by using loops.
WHAT YOU WILL LEARNIn this lesson, you will:Discover the usefulness of loopsLearn about the types of loopsSet loop conditionsCreate a nested loopUse loop exceptionsAPPROXIMATE TIMEThis lesson takes approximately 45 minutes to complete.LESSON filesStarting Files:Lesson09/Assets/pictureShow1.flaLesson09/Assets/phoneNumberSearch1.flaCompleted Projects:pictureShow3.flaphoneNumberSearch2.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.