Coding IDE

July 11, 2007 · Filed Under books, game dev, software · Comment 

I’ve switched my development tools from Flash and Notepad++ to Flex Builder. I have tried a number of environments in search of the best environment for my style of coding. Since all of the ActionScript 3.0 Cookbook examples are all based on Flex Builder, i decide to give it a try. It has some clear advantages.

  • Based on Eclipse
  • Cross-Platform
  • Integrated AutoComplete and Help
  • Excellent debugging features – This has saved me a bunch time!

Currently, I’m working with the public beta for Flex Builder 3, which looks pretty solid at this point.

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ActionScript Books

July 11, 2007 · Filed Under books, game dev · Comment 

I recently completed Beginning Flash Game Programming For Dummies. This is a very solid introduction to game development concepts. It’s a bit light in places for those with prior programming experience, but the content on movement, physics and math makes up for that nicely. On the downside, this is strictly a ActionScript 2 and Flash reference. I’ve decided the develop with ActionScript 3 and Flex Builder. While most of the code samples need to be reworked for AS3, the book still provide a good conceptual reference for game development topics.

I’ve also picked up ActionScript 3.0 Cookbook: Solutions for Flash Platform and Flex Application Developers from O’Reilly. This is an excellent reference book. I read the first few chapters in their entirety. Now, I’m just reading sections to solve specific problems. I am eager to get my hands on Essential ActionScript 3.0, which was just recently released.

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