AS3 -- where to start learning?

[halodesign]

Hi experts,

I am a complete beginner in AS3 and wondered where I should start to learn. The Adobe help is a bit tough to start with because it can help me with any one aspect, but I don't know where to start for the big picture stuff. Does anyone have a favorite book that helped them get started, or links to a great tutorial site? I joined Lynda.com but haven't had much patience for sitting through videos... I might like project-based follow along tutorials better. But I don't really know for sure. I was looking for some advice from the peanut gallery about the best ways for a complete beginner to start.

Thanks all!

[newwaveboats]

to be honest the best place is your imagination, scketch out what you thought of, and then focus on learning what you need to acomplish your goal.
http://www.flashandmath.com/ has walk throughs
http://www.gotoandlearn.com/ has free video tutorials

[halodesign]

Thanks NewWave -- at this point I don't even know how to gotoAndPlay, so it's a little daunting! I'm exploring the AS3 Actions panel, and I have no clue what's going on. 😉

[newwaveboats]

we all been there.
I started of without using code, to get use to my new playgrounds surroundings. if you can't do something don't let it daunt you, think of it as an adventure, and you would have a more enjoyable time.

[fungus13]

I feel for you. I have a number of projects ongoing and when I get stuck there is no-one who can help. I often give up in frustration. However, someone gave me a book title so perhaps that may help you.
"Essential AS3 by Colin Moock" (See DMennenoh reply to my query earlier today) deals with the "Actionscript" component, if that is the way you want to go. I got the information today and I've ordered the book already, ($(AUS)115-120). Can't tell you any more until I see the book. I'm that desperate, I'm ordering unseen! All I can tell you is that it is currently available. It is a 2007 issue I think.
For basic "Flash" I have used the book in the series "Visual Quickpro guide" Russell Chun with H.Paul Robertson. It covers both Mac and PC platforms, that book also presents some situations and solutions, so it could give you a direction, if you need that.
I'd help you more, but I'm still trying to advance myself and finding it hard going. Hopefully, I find a tutor soon, or I may just give up and walk away, which will be a shame, because it is interesting stuff. But there are many other things to do, that aren't nearly as frustrating.

[fungus13]

PS I do know how to use gotoAndPlay as a mouse Click handler, if you need any assistance. Not too good at functions yet.

[Mike_King]

Try this site.

He has a whole Fundamental Series on AS3 Basics and some pretty neat projects.

www.FocusOnFlash.com