Last class

CLASSFILES

Last lesson

Hey Guys,

I'll be uploading the classfiles some time later tonight... I fixed the mysql thing, but I've got to organize the php files in a way that makes a bit more sense. So check back tonight to download.

Lesson 11

Next week is our last week. So if there is something specific you'd like to go over. Leave a comment about it.



Homework
... check back for a full homework description

ClassFiles

Lesson 10

Lesson 10

- BitmapData
- CDATA stuff

Homework:

Take the site in the "basic_xml_site" folder (v2.fla) and add working detail section to it. If you have questions e-mail me.

- change up the design a bit
- change up the tweenlite code a bit
- feel free to alter the xml file to your liking
- remember not to worry about the html code in the textfields, we'll learn how to deal with that next week

This is an important assignment. So you should spend a few hours working on it... if you can.

ClassFiles

Lesson 9

Debugging Review
- use debugging techniques on a file

Top Down Design of the Perfect Gallery
- describe the methods and properties of a perfect flash Gallery

Alterations to the Procedural Mini-Gallery
- added previous and next buttons
- added highlighting of the thumbnail buttons
- added fading transition between detail images
- added hide and show functionality for real site integration

Interfaces
- composition
- implements
- strategy pattern : change the behavior of objects at run-time.

Homework
none


CLASSFILES

lesson 8

// Events tutorial
// gallery tutorial

// links
http://www.senocular.com/
http://www.senocular.com/flash/tutorials/
http://www.senocular.com/flash/actionscript/


Homework:
Study this post related to timeline vs document class stuff:
http://actionsnippet.com/?p=1931

Then try to take a small timeline code example either from the class files or something you've created on your own... you could also use something from actionsnippet.com... and try to convert it to a document class. Yes, you could cheat and just use my script to convert it but ...
1) I'll be able to tell if you used my script
2) You won't learn anything if you don't test yourself... to see if you can actually convert timeline code to document class code...

Do the reading if you haven't already... it's pretty important... go back and see all the reading links from all the former posts and if you haven't done them... slowly start working your way through them.

We should all have a class based version of our navigation for next week. If you have trouble doing this... make sure to bring in your broken class based navigation to the next class and we'll use debugging techniques to get it working....

We looked over a simple mini-gallery in week 7. The file is called min_gallery.fla. I want you to take this file and do two things:

1) try to make it nicer, add some TweenLite animation to it... and maybe some additional graphics and images.

2) Spend at least 1 hour trying to convert it to a class... I don't expect you to be able to do it necessarily... but you should REALLY spend some time trying to do it.

CLASSFILES

Lesson 7

Procedural Pattern Navigation
ZoomNav OOP
Inheritence
-> Template Method Pattern

XML

Mini-Gallery

Homework:
Create your own XML document describing whatever you like (like we did in class) and then practice accessing the different parts of it. There is an example of something like this in the class files that reads the coffee_data.xml file...

Try to get your navigation turned into a class (if it isn't already)... create a new subclass for the Nav.as file... like FadeNav, ScaleNav.as and SpecialScaleNav.as...



classfiles

This Tuesday Cancelled

Hey Guys,

I sprained my ankle on friday and need to cancel this coming weeks class. We'll simply add a make-up class that will be one week after what was originally going to be the final class....

best,

z

lesson 6

if you were here please post an attendance comment:

Homework:
rework your 10 class descriptions by adding properties and methods (functions) to them. If you didn't try to make your navigation homework into a class... try and convert it to a class... if you already turned your navigation into a class, try converting the zoom nav into a class...

ClassFiles

lesson 5

If you were here for lesson 5 .... please post an attendance comment.

Functions:
- function name homework
- implemented a few functions (screenshot and cursor mask)

Classes:
- Box class
- MaskAnimation class

- thumbnail loader stuff


Homework:
Write the names of 10 classes you wish existed as part of AS3. Take your navigation and attempt to turn it into a class... start by designing how you would like the class to work, decide what properties and functions (methods) you want your class to have and then slowly/carefully try to add them. Use MaskAnimation and Box as a reference for syntax...

ClassFiles

3D nav

Source file for the 3D nav I created at the end of class is coming soon...

Add Images to Me

It occurred to me that it would be perfectly suitable to use one of the optimize me files to add images to... so if your navigation doesn't need some thumbnail images added to it, you can use this file.... this is not required, but highly recommended.

download add images to me file

Lesson 4

Review
- Homework
- Q and A
- "optimize me" examples and answers

New Concepts
- arrays
- real tweenlite integration
- functions functions functions
- loading images

Top Down Programming
- Imagine all your code was already written and you just need to write client code.
- Forget about things that don't matter
- break the problem down to its simplest parts
- think about the most important part of the problem FIRST

Bottom-up Programming


On the Fly Navigation
- I code a navigation on the fly using top down programming
- I'll implement all my functions using a combination of top-down and bottom-up.

Classes
- will likely have to wait till next week.


Homework
Design 10 functions you wish existed. Write more elegant top-down style functions for your current navigation.

Try to fix and optimize your nav for next week. Make your nav control either a pages movieClip or something else. If it makes sense add some images to your navigation - if it doesn't make sense I'll be uploading a file in the next couple of days that you can try and add images to.

ClassFiles

Optimize This File

This is optional but highly recommended.... download this file:

http://www.mtcanvas.com/sva/advancedas3/optimizeMe.fla.zip

and use the techniques we learned last week to attempt to optimize it... also, don't forget about MOUSE_OVER and MOUSE_OUT.

Lesson 3

More Functions
- homework review
- functions that take a library skin
- for loop review
- functions that return sprite or shape
- combining functions
- sketching with functions, design before implementation
- wrapper functions
- function Q and A

Variables and Function Uses
- Simplest use for variables is readability and organization
- Main use for variables is significant added flexibility
- Simplest use for function is readability and organization
- Main use for functions is significant added flexibility

Writing More Dynamic code
- in class exercise to create bar graph hardcoded
- convert our in class hard coded example to be more dynamic using
variables, functions and the Event Object.

Terminology
- Variable
- Data Type
- Casting
- Property
- Function
- Argument
- Return Value
- Implementation
- Client Code
- Linkage Class - the class associated with a library element (new Blob())
- Class - is a group of functions (methods) and variables that work together.

TweenLite
- examples and in class demo

Graphics Class
...

Reading
- linkage classes
- tween lite

Homework
Create a website navigation using variables, functions and linkage classes. If one of your homework assignments has lots of redundant code, try to make it more dynamic using variables, functions, evt.currentTarget/evt.target and for loops.

I'm going to upload a file at some point on thursday for you to make more dynamic - this file will be sort of like dynamic1.fla and it will be your job to make the code more elegant and dynamic

Classfiles

Lesson 2

Lesson 2
- functions
- dynamic variables
- regular functions
- for loops
- arranging clips with for loops
- Math.random
- pythagorean theorem for scale
- drawing with code (lineStyle and lineTo)

Reading:
gravity tutorial
grids arranging clips

Pythagorean Theorem.... you don't have to read this, but I figured I'd put it in the links:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pythagorean_theorem

Download Classfiles

Function Homework:

Add at least one function to your homework from last week...

Write all of the following functions... Use google to find conversion formulas for things like fahrenheit to kelvin:
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&client=safari&rls=en&q=1+fahrenheit+to+kelvin&aq=f&oq=&aqi=

// scales a given movieClip's x and y scale properties to the same value
// takes 2 arguments, the clip to alter and the new scale value
uniformScale(myClip, .5);

// causes a given movieClip to rotate and animate off of the right
hand side of the screen.
// takes 3 argumets, the movieClip to alter, the rotation speed and
the horizontal velocity (x increment)
rollToRight(myClip, 10, 5);

// causes a given movieClip to scale up and fade out.
// takes 2 arguments, the movieClip to alter and the speed at which to fade and scale
scaleUpFadeOut(myClip, .1);


Conversion/Math:

// converts fahrenheit to kelvin - (temperature);
// takes one argument, the degrees in fahrenheit
// returns degrees in kelvin
tempFtoK(32);

// converts kelvin to fahrenheit- (temperature);
// takes one argument, the degrees in kelvin
// returns degrees in fahrenheit
tempKtoF(32);

// do the same for millileters to fluid ounces, and fluid onces to millileters


// calculates the area of a rectangle:
// takes 2 arguments, width and height of the rectangle
// returns the area of the rectangle
area(10, 20);

// adds 3 numbers together
// takes 3 arguments and adds them together
// returns the result of the addition of the three arguments
add3(100, 20, 300);

BONUS (optional - don't waste too much time if you can't figure these out):

// calculates the volume of a cube
// takes 1 argument, the length of any side of the cube
// returns the area of the cube
area(100);

// causes a given movieClip to fade out if it is clicked on
// takes 2 arguments, the movieClip to alter and the speed at which to fade out
fadeOutOnClick(myclip, .1);

// draws a grid of circles
// takes 3 arguments, number of rows, number of columns and spacing
// read the grids arranging clips tutorial first for this one
drawCircleGrid(10, 10, 3);

Transparent icons

A few students were wondering how to create custom transparent file/folder icons in Mac OSX... i found a small free utility that creates them from png files (for anyone wondering).... check it out, super easy to use:

Pic2Icon

Lesson 1

Intermediate Review
- MovieClip nesting
- properties
- enterFrame event
- mouseEvent
- zeno's
- currentTarget
- target
- dynamic properties
- addChild
- mouseMove

Tutorials to Read for next week:

If you only read one tutorial this should be the one:
Properties

You should read these as well...
Event Phases
Event Object
Priority
Capture Phase


Homework:
Expand on zeno3.fla - add at least 15 things moving around with zeno's paradox. Optionally use properties and mouse events to make it more interesting... If you don't have ideas of how to make it more interesting feel free to e-mail me.

Download Classfiles

Syllabus

Advanced Flash

Instructor: Zevan Rosser
bendvent [] gmail
http://www.shapevent.com/
http://www.actionsnippet.com/



COURSE DESCRIPTION:

The goal of this course is to build a solid foundation for ActionScript and advanced Adobe Flash techniques. We will begin with an introduction to basic scripting principles and continue through object-based Flash applications. These skills will enable students to build scalable data-driven Flash sites, applications and animations. We will view existing sites and examine the techniques used in their creation. Students will create small Flash experiments and new Flash sites, or modify existing ones. PREREQUISITE: SMC-3553, Intermediate Flash, or equivalent.

BOOKS:

Learning Actionscript 3.0 *
How to Cheat in Flash CS3
Making Things Move
Actionscript 3.0 Cookbook
Head First Design Patterns (java)

COURSE REQUIREMENTS:

There will be a homework assignment every week. By the third week students will decide on a final project. The remaining weekly homework assignments will relate to this project.

GRADING:

60% Homework

40% Attendance/Participation

COURSE OUTLINE:

Flash Review
-basic review
-animation tricks
-isometric 3d timeline
-parallax motion
-3d face
-lip sync
-vectorpark.com
-mudbubble.com
-shapevent.com
-iscribble.com
-odcast
-alternativa
-pv3d
-box2D
-ape

AS2 - AS3
-migration

Properties and Events
-new event architechture

Display Object Targeting
-nesting display objects
-unicycle
-targeting nested display objects
-isometric 3d coded
-events intermediate

Advanced Functions
-local vars
-init / loop
-practice problems

What is OOP?
-when do you use it?
-what do you already know about it?
-document class
-example classes
-design patterns

Navigations
-Website Skeleton
-code practice
-aligning clips
-TweenLite

External Assets
-preloader
-loading images
-flashvars
-text file
-more about aligning

XML
-loading xml
-dynamic programming

BitmapData
-Working with pixels
-creating your own filters
-realtime photoshop
-demo scene

Camera
-web camera
-web camera with bitmapdata

Sound and Video
-timeline sounds
-library sounds
-loading sounds
-sound visualization
-compute spectrum
-popforge libarary
-working with flvs
-loading video
-working with video components

More Motion
-Complex motion examples
-particle systems

Advanced Display
-z-sorting
-complex re-parenting
-3D

Flash 10
-new features
-3D
-dynamic sound
-IK
-pixel bender

Review and Request
-your questions...