After the release of the V3 components for Flash MX 2004, Flash 8 and 9 with ActionScript 2.0, we started working on the components for Flash CS3 with ActionScript 3.0. So, after a month of Flash CS3 and AS3 here’s a personal overview of Adobe’s new product.
The new language features were a welcome addition and the rebuilt framework proved to be better than the previous Macromedia V2 architecture (at least, this is my opinion after a few days of work with AS3 and the new Adobe framework). In my personal opinion, AS 3 is a big leap forward, though it has its own problems (a few design faults- things I would have done a little different), but still, I’m already falling in love with AS3 (I started programming in C/C++ and Delphi, so I’m glad they decided to base the new language on the ECMAScript).
The “new” IDE looks better than the old one, but, I believe, it doesn’t perform as well. The transparency of the panels uses significant system resources and it’s not so easy to place them in the desired position, they have the tendency to attach them selves to other panels. The new ActionScript editor is better than the previous one and besides it, the new Flash CS3 has a few more interesting features (the possibility to import Photoshop files with their layers, advanced debugger or the new, easily skinnable, interface components). But, I’ve read other people’s opinions and I agree that for those who use Flash mainly to create animations and user interfaces, Flash 8 it’s more suitable. Those who need Flash with AS3… it’s clear… they need Flash CS3.
Finally, I give two thumbs up for ActionScript 3.0 and… let’s say… half a thumb up for the new IDE.
negush
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I wouldn’t agree with you 100% but you do make some strong assertions