The magazine of the Melbourne PC User Group Flash MX 2004 - for the bookshelf Major Keary |
Flash Out of the Box does not assume any knowledge of Flash MX 2004, but does
assume the
intending user is "experienced with other programs". Those with some Flash
experience should find it a great help in extending their respective repertoire
and developing more efficient ways of doing things. The book takes an innovative
approach to the way its tutorials are presented; anyone who uses Flash, or who
wants to learn Flash, should examine it and, especially, read the preface that
explains the author's training philosophy and contains an interesting and
cleverly written explanation of why "out of the box" is used in the title.
Flash has come a long way since it was first released by Macromedia; as I
recollect it was acquired from the original developer (who had called it Splash)
was rebadged and quickly underwent significant enhancements, such as the
addition of sound in Flash2 and the later release of its programming language,
ActionScript. What began as a tool for lightweight animations is now, according
to the book, "a serious application development environment, capable of loading
dynamic information and exposing web services on the Web, CD-ROM, [and]
handhelds " and "is the ultimate tool for creating rich media
experiences that engage, entertain, and even facilitate business processes".
The author uses a series of tutorials that are presented in a conversational
style that makes for easy reading, good comprehension, and retention. He focuses
on getting readers to do things before considering the concepts. The
conventional method is the reverse, but my impression is that the approach taken
in Flash Out of the Box works very well.
The examples used in the tutorials are on a companion CD that also contains—in
Windows and Mac formats—trial versions of Macromedia Flash MX 2004, Fireworks MX
2004, Dreamweaver MX 2004, and Freehand (the Macromedia equivalent of Adobe
Illustrator). In short, all the resources necessary for self-teaching are made
available to the user. Unlike some books with companion CDs, there is
explanatory information to help users overcome problems in using the CD; that is
not to say there are bugs— it's a matter of not upsetting the settings.
Don't get the idea that this is a learnby-rote exercise: it isn't. Readers are
encouraged to think for themselves and thereby develop an understanding of how Flash works, what it can be used for, and—importantly—when Flash
should not be used.
The book does not pretend to be a 'bible', 'complete reference, or 'definitive
text'. It is a remarkably thorough introduction that will prepare the user to
move on and explore Flash in greater depth. For those with more modest aims it
is likely to be the only resource they will need. Trainers should look at it as
a course text. Great value.
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Robert Hoekman Jr.: Flash Out of the Box |
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Reprinted from the October 2005 issue of PC Update, the magazine of Melbourne PC User Group, Australia
