The stun design site, constructed as the case study in Foundation ActionScript is viewable here .Flash 5 is the latest version of Macromedia''s incredibly successful motion graphics creation package. Flash 5 implements a vastly expanded and more powerful range of ActionScript components. It is ActionScript, coupled with Flash''s exceptional graphical facilities, that makes Flash the de facto standard for interactive, graphically-rich web sites and applications. The new implementation will make ActionScript an even more important part of the Flash landscape.Who is this Book for?Flash 5 beginners who''ve read an introductory text and need a much more in-depth introduction to ActionScript.Flash 4 users who need a fuller understanding of ActionScript as implemented in Flash 5.What does the Book cover?Flash 5 ActionScript provides a raft of new features for the Flash designer to use. To fully exploit these features, the designer will need to understand a basic set of programming constructs and principles. This book will teach those principles in the Flash 5 context, providing the reader with a solid base to develop more complex ActionScript skills. The book has a strong tutorial thrust, focusing on building the core skills that the reader needs to master Flash ActionScript. The skills and techniques are built in self-contained chapters that combine in an ongoing case study to build a rich knowledge base in the reader''s mind.Summary of ContentsPart 1: ActionScript Basics1. Basics2. The interface3. Planning4. Timeline actions5. Variables and notation6. Looping and Decision Making7. Sound8. Basic Interactivity.9. Advanced interactivity10. DebuggingPart 2: Moving Forward with ActionScript11. Structured actionScript.12. Sprite animation (advanced animation).13. Intro to advanced ActionScriptingReviewswww.pixelsurgeon.com9 out of 10Review by Jason Arbernaut"The success of Foundation ActionScript is down to Sham Bhangal''s extremely clear writing style and following the creation, in the book, of an actual website from initial designs to complex actionscripting.Bhangal eases us into the world of ActionScript using charming analogies which are always on the mark and never patronising or condescending. Commands, Arguments and Properties are explained in real world terms, and to be honest, is the first time that ActionScript as been made completely transparent and obvious to me.Having grounded us in a clear understanding of the fundamentals of ActionScript, Bhangal proceeds to build his website, explaining as he goes along. Flash 5 ActionScript has a steep learning curve, particularly for those migrating from earlier versions of Flash and have the Flash 4 way of doing things flowing through their veins. Bhangal takes the time to explain the differences between the two scripting languages, and why Flash 5 ActionScript is better.You''ll never learn anything by simply reading about it. You need to roll your sleeves up and follow the exercises and examples. There is no CD provided with the book, but all the .fla files can be found at the Friends of Ed website for download and dissection. The examples in the book are easy to follow and the rationale behind each line of code is explained.Over the course of the book Bhangal begins to speed up and starts dealing with fairly complex scripts. But thanks to his humour, clear prose and relevant examples, the complexity never feels overwhelming. Each task is achievable and rewarding in the insight that it gives to ActionScript.Having tackled sound, advanced interactivity, modular code and sprites, Bhangal finishes up with a useful glossary and sections on events, properties, operators, Flash 5 compatability and debugging.You''ll be amazed at the Flash you''ll be producing after reading this book. Even seasoned Flash power-users will be sure to pick up tips and tricks. If an idiot like me can read this book, be illuminated and see an immediate improvement in my Flash ActionScript skills then pretty much everyone will benefit. I can''t recommend this book highly enough!ARBERNAUT RATING: 9/10"