Amazon.com
This new addition to the growing library of Flash instruction books gives readers a solid base in this popular and increasingly necessary Web development application. The book promises a foundation that's both accessible, meaning that you won't be daunted by ActionScript or any of the other topics, and extensible, meaning that you'll find it easy to add to your knowledge after you've finished the book.
Foundation successfully avoids the trap, so common in other instruction books, of an all-encompassing but shallow overview. It successfully performs an in-depth treatment of the more essential aspects of using Flash. At the end, you might not know every menu option, but you'll be able to construct your own Flash Web site. The book uses one case study project: a Web site interface with animated buttons, soundtrack, and Flash-enabled content. Small-scale lessons within chapters and application of these lessons to the larger-scale project help reinforce the material (support files for the case study can be downloaded from www.friendsofed.com).
The writing follows a narrative style (longer paragraphs both before and within the numbered steps), and manages to be just the right amounts of casual and friendly. Personal anecdotes, when they occur, actually enhance the lessons. Although this style makes hopping around the book and troubleshooting specific problems more difficult, the payoff for reading in a linear, cumulative fashion is a better handle on the pros and cons of Flash's core features. Another plus is that readers can follow along, even if they're not sitting at the computer. (Learn Flash on the subway! Why not?) Throughout the book, the authors often point out alternative methods and uses for features, too, which encourages creative thinking on how to apply the lessons to your own projects. First-time users of Flash, as well as experienced users who have put off trying scripting, will find this book a good place to start. --Angelynn Grant
Topics covered:
Step-by-step instruction of Flash 5, using a Web site interface case study. Lessons include: The authoring environment Toolbox Symbols and libraries Managing content on the stage with rulers, guides, grids, and so on Working with color, bitmap graphics, and typefaces Tweening Masks Actions Beginning and intermediate ActionScript Sound Optimizing and publishing Principles of good site design
www.teamphotoshop.com
This is by far the best introductory Flash 5 book I've found and gets a solid recommendation from me
www.pixelsurgeon.com
I receive many questions every week from beginners, and from now on intend to point them towards this book. 9/10
Book Description
Foundation Flash 5 gives you all the skills you need to get started in the latest version of Flash. It takes you from your first drawing and animation project in Chapter 1 through to a strong foundation in the sophisticated ActionScripting capabilities now built into Flash 5. It is a thorough and practical, tutorial led book, where each chapter builds into a complete design example - reinforcing what you've learnt in that section and how it can be applied in real design projects. By the end of the book you'll have an expert-level, Flash-rich website, and the skills to develop and modify your own Flash 5 effects. Professional-level design with Flash has taken a quantum step up with Flash 5. Foundation Flash 5 provides you with all the climbing gear you need for the steeper learning curve. You'll break a sweat. But when you get there the view from the top is really worth the effort! Written by the renowned team of Flash experts who bring you the great tutorials on Virtual-FX.net, this book will teach you what you need for designing cutting edge Flash 5 effects.
From the Publisher
Foundation Flash 5 assumes no prior knowledge of Flash or web animation. It is not however a 'make-it-simple' and 'leave-out-the-hard-bits' type of computer book. It is for serious web-designers who want to expand their skillset and learn the latest software design tools. The Foundation series does not talk down. It addresses the urgent fact that the techniques underlying the best web design are becoming ever more sophisticated. Foundation Flash 5 takes you where you need to be tomorrow.
About the Author
Patrick Rey is a Technical Support advisor for Boston College. In his spare time you will find him learning, documenting and developing the ins and outs of Macromedia's Flash. He is also the webmaster for Flash Addict. In June of 1999 he joined forces with Amanda Farr and Virtual-FX, realising that writing tutorials for a site that gets 1,000,000 hits a day is far better than one which only gets 100 hits a day. Amanda Farr is the owner and webmaster of Virtual-FX.net Flash Resources. She has been involved in Flash development for many years and is a regular presenter at Flashforward in New York City. Sham Bhangal originally began his career as an Engineer, specializing in industrial computer based display and control systems. In the mid 90s he established Future Media Organisation to promote Flash development and particularly the deeper secrets of ActionScripting and interactive design.
Home
