Book review: ActionScript 3.0 Animation

Foundation ActionScript 3.0 Animation: Making things move!

By Keith Peters

OK, this is a belated review. I bought this as an ebook when it was published in April 2007.

This is by far the best book, or even tutorials, I’ve ever read for animation in ActionScript 3.0. It’s clear, concise and very well paced, taking you from the basic principles of static frame animation (like cartoons) and taking you through to the more dynamic and interactive world of scripted animation.

It covers everything from moving basic 2D objects around, through the principles behind scripting velocity and acceleration, friction, easing and springing, collision detection and on to complex interactive 3D shapes and environments. There’s even a couple of chapters on forward and inverse kinematics if you interested in scripting jointed, moving creatures. The mathematical formulae are well described and you really get a feel for what the author is talking about.

Overall, it’s a great book and I’d recommend it to anyone who would like to get involved in dynamic, interactive animation.

Preview Foundation ActionScript 3.0 Animation, Making things move! on Google Books.