Definition

ActionScript

ActionScript is an object-oriented programming (OOP) language that is designed specifically for Web site animation. Originally released with Macromedia Flash 4 and enhanced for Flash 5, ActionScript is a sophisticated version of the script language introduced in Flash 3. ActionScript makes it possible for developers to create onscreen environments (such as games, tutorials, and e-commerce applications) that can respond to user input through the keyboard or mouse. ActionScript is an event-based language: just as is the case in real life, actions are triggered by events.

ActionScript was modeled on ECMA (European Computer Manufacturers Association)-262, an international standard for JavaScript. In the Flash 5 version, new ActionScript syntax, conventions, and features were introduced that make it similar to JavaScript, which in turn makes the language automatically familiar to most Web developers. Flash 5 also includes a new ActionScript editing environment that automates editing tasks and reduces development time.

This was last updated in September 2005
Posted by: Margaret Rouse

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