Dynamic Flash

Just a quick post to let everyone know that I am still alive. We’ve just finished a really big project at work (more on that when the site launches to the public) and I finally have time to finish some of the half-written posts I’ve been lining up.

I will also have time now to finish implementing the missing Flash 8 features for swfmill. We already have support for some Flash 8 features (scale-9 grids, for example) in the current pre-releases and I’m part way through filter and blending mode support. If you’ve got a favourite Flash 8 feature that you’d like to see in swfmill, head on over to the swfmill mailing list and let us know.

Finally, I’m getting back into authoring again with those nice folks at Friends of Ed. I’ve got a couple of books lined up, but I think they’re supposed to be top secret for now. I promise I’ll let you know more when I can.

Ely Greenfield has created an Animated DragTile component for Flex that models the way that you can drag pictures around in Picasa. From the horse’s mouth:

The DragTile Component adds Picasa like Drag/Drop animated feedback to the basic Flex Tile behavior. Using this component, you can:

• drag to reorder items in the component
• drag from/to the component to move items into or out of the dataProvider to another component
• drag from/to the component (with shift key pressed) to copy items into the dataProvider

I’m very excited to see this kind of advanced interaction in Flex RIAs, playing to the strengths of the platform without any unnecessary bells and whistles. The code has been released under the MIT license, so you’re free to hack around and use it commercially.

Oh, and if you’re having trouble finding the source files to download, right click on one of the sample applications and select ‘View source’. Ely, if you’re reading, it would be great if you posted a download link to the component source on the component page itself.

If you haven’t seen the Apple ‘Get a Mac’ TV ads yet, you’re missing out. Such a contrast to the tripe ‘peopleready software’ and security ads that MS have been running in the UK.

I usually try to refrain from posting the same news that have already done the rounds on the Flash blogs, but I’m going to make an exception for these awesome ActionScript 3.0 Cheatsheats from Sean (aka. thotskee):

• Top level classes
• Packages
• flash.display package

With Flex 2 Beta 3 seemingly just around the corner, these will be invaluable for those looking to get to grips with ActionScript 3.0. Print them out and stick them on the wall by your computer!