Flash

1
Flash JavaScript

• Mariela Hristova
• October 19, 2004
• INF 385E Fall 2004 School of Information

2
Agenda

• Flash
• basics, uses, examples, pros cons
• JavaScript
• basics, uses, examples, pros cons
• Sorry for standing, but it helps me with timing.

3
Flash
4
Background

• Flash content is
• Animated
• Interactive
• Efficient
• Complex

• It can be found
• On the Web
• In PlayStation consoles
• In ATMs
• In handheld devices

5
Software

• Macromedia MX Flash
• FLASHtyper
• SWiSH
• MIX FX
• Various tools on the Web

6
Functionality

• Design
• Graphics creation
• Timeline for Animation
• Symbols for Buttons
• Sound effects

• Code
• Action Scripts
• Event Handlers
• Arrays
• Built-in Objects

Publishing Options Flash Player format, SWF
format, HTML.
7
Integration with HTML

• height"400"

• Embedded in HTML
• Uses both OBJECT and EMBED for browser
  compatibility
• Text for Flash content could come from a separate
  file.

8
Uses Examples

• Navigation
• Animation
• Headers
• Web site intros
• Interaction
• Interface
• sliders
• color selection
• function icons
• Games

• Free Range Graphics
• concept animation for publicity and activism

9
Pros Cons

• Pros
• Works well with HTML
• Great for internet-based applications
• Standards compliant
• Improved usability

• Cons
• Long loading times
• Interferes with search engines
• Breaks the BACK button
• Flawed accessibility
• Requires Flash Player

10
JavaScript
11
Background

• created by Netscape in late 1995 to allow for
  interactive Web pages
• JavaScript is different from Java

12
Definition

• JavaScript is scripting language that is
• cross-platform
• object-oriented
• integrated / embedded in HTML

• Language Elements
• Operators
• Control Structures
• Statements

• Core Objects
• Array
• Date
• Math

13
Extension Client vs. Server

• Client-Side
• Objects to control a browser
• Document Object Model DOM
• Server-Side
• Communication with a relational database
• File manipulation on a server
• Continuity of information for applications

14
Events Actions
F type"text" name"F" value"32"
C

type"button" name"calc" value"calc" onClick"th
is.form.C.value(5/9) (this.form.F.value-32)"

• Basic Attributes
• ONLOAD
• Event Attributes
• onMouseOver
• onMouseOut
• onClick

15
Objects

• function message()
• alert("This alert box was called with the onload
  event")

• Arrays
• Strings
• Browser objects
• Document objects
• Functions
• defined in HEAD or externally
• called in the BODY

16
Uses Examples
Dynamic Drive Dynamic Drive DHTML JavaScript
Code library Open Cube DHTML Menu / JavaScript
Menu Developer

• Navigation
• Animation
• Calendars
• Dynamic content
• Syndication
• Form verification control
• Browser control mouse extras, pop-up windows,
  scroll bars, etc.

17
Pros Cons

• Pros
• Saves bandwidth
• Easy to implement
• Adds interaction
• Instant gratification
• Works well with HTML

• Cons
• Java plug-in required
• Browser-specific DOM implementations
• Disorienting if overdone
• Dubious security

18
Conclusion

• Dynamic Content and Functionality
• What choices do we have?

19
References

• Flash Tutorial. (2004). W3Schools. Retrieved on
  October 16, 2004, from http//www.w3schools.com/fl
  ash/default.asp
• JavaScript Overview. (n.d.). Enterprise Edition
  Server-Side JavaScript Guide. Retrieved on
  October 16, 2004, from http//docs.sun.com/source/
  816-5930-10/intro.htm13092
• Nielsen, Jakob. (2000). Flash 99 Bad.
  Useit.com. Retrieved on October 16, 2004, from
  http//www.useit.com/alertbox/20001029.html
• Thiele, James. (2002). Hands-On JavaScript
  Overview. Retrieved on October 15, 2004, from
  http//www.eskimo.com/jet/javascript/handson/over
  view.htm
• Raynolds, Mark, et al. (1996). Special Edition
  Using JavaScript. Retrieved on October 15, 2004,
  from http//kavosh.irost.net/books/jscript/toc.htm