If you're like all other flash developers out there, then you probably go to google to find help with your programming. Whether its figuring out the proper usage of a function or finding the right event method to use, you're going to want to know the 'right way' to do it. And let me tell you that there is no better way to learn about flash handlers than by going to the source: Adobe LiveDocs.
Adobe LiveDocs is an online documentation of all things flash, most importantly how to properly use actionscript. For example, let's say that I want to find out about buttons in Actionscript 2.0. -LiveDocs has a whole overview of everything that actionscript class can do : see for yourself! -You'll notice that this page will show you not only the kind of information that you might be looking for specifically, but you might even find an event handler that you didn't even know existed.
Before I go on to explain more, I would like to invite you to check out the Flash Support Center -Which plays a large part in LiveDocs as well as providing a lot of helpful information.
How to use LiveDocs
Actionscript 2.0
If you are still coding in 2.0 then you are still in luck, because adobe has all the documentation from both as3 and as2 on their site. Ok so from what I have experienced, the best way to take advantage of LiveDocs with google is by typing in two things:
1. The class/event handler/funciton/etc. you want to use
2. "version 8"
For example, lets say I want to know how to use the 'onRelease' handler, by typing in "onRelease version 8" in the google search bar, I get links to the adobe livedocs. Then I simply open those pages up and get the information I'm looking for (link). It is something that is really simple and really helpful, so I can only say I highly recommend taking advantage of this service.
Actionscript 3.0
Before I let you know how to use LiveDocs with AS3, I want to first point to the Actionscript 2.0 migration table. This is a great table laid out to help you quickly and easily find the AS3 names and usage of AS2 classes, event handlers, functions, etc.
For AS3 livedocs there isn't any special way to do this, the AS2 migration table will already link you to the page you're looking for. If you are using google you can always add 'livedocs' to the end of your search to help the google bot find what you're looking for. For example, if I were looking for documentation on AS3's InteractiveObject, then I would search for "InteractiveObject livedocs"
LiveDocs are very easy to use, so even if you find you're own preferred way to access them, good for you. It is simply important to know the advantage of using a resource such as LiveDocs when you need some Flash help, because I can guarantee you that LiveDocs will provide better information than any off-site tutorial can.
Comments