How to access variable from within a movieclip code

[Superjets]

i have variable a=0 and i want a movieclip that runs to change it to 2, what do i write in the movieclip code ?
i tried parent.a=2 but it's error.
thanks

[kglad · Accepted solution]

if parent is the correct path to a, cast it as a movieclip and retry:

MovieClip(parent).a=2;

[robdillon]

Where is a in relation to the movieClip? Are they both attached to the same display object? If that's the case, then the path will be a = 2. If the variable is attached to a parent display object then the path may be MovieClip(parent).a = 2.

[29821938bjvh]

I assume "MovieClip" is the instance name of the movie clip right? What if there is no instance name, because I have placed 200 of the same movieclip on stage manually? But I would like to access the variable on the root level / main timeline. How would the code look like?

[kglad]

MovieClip is not an instance and cannot be an instance name (or anything other than an adobe defined class) and is a reserved word.  in my first post here i used it to coerce animate into understanding parent was a movieclip.  otherwise, the compiler might think there's an error.

in as3, the root timeline can always be referenced by,

root

and, for some things you may need to cast it as a movieclip (assuming it is one)

MovieClip(root)

[29821938bjvh]

Thanks so much - for helping me out in this old thread!

[kglad]

you're welcome 

[kglad]

@29821938bjvh 

p.s. you're posting to an thread more than 10 years old.

[Superjets]

thank you both

[kglad]

you're welcome.