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Overview of Macromedia Flash |
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In order to allow for more complex decision structures (such as when to begin playing a scene, or exactly how much the hands on an animated clock should move), and to introduce interactivity to animations, Flash also allows for movies to be "Scripted" using the built-in language ActionScript. In this way, the designer can manipulate what happens on the screen at each stage, but also pass such control to the end user. It is possible to create hover buttons and menus in this way, to allow the user to drag and drop elements around the screen (for example, it is possible to create a virtual jigsaw puzzle to be completed, or to position characters in a virtual room) or to navigate from one part of the movie to another.Of course, as with any other software package, learning such advanced techniques takes time and practise, and one of the strengths of Flash is its help system. Not only is it a complete, searchable reference, but it also has various tutorials (which are animated, naturally!) to help designers learn the more complex aspects of the application, such as scripting, creating tweens and using symbols.
Figure 3 - Flash provides extensive online help, including lessons and tutorials
All in all, Flash is far and away the market leader in producing very high quality movies and animations. With the power of scripting behind it and the ability to create movies which look great but take very little time to download, it is little wonder that it has grown in the way it has.
Oh, and if youre interested, the adult Egyptian mongoose has 35 to 40 teeth.