Anticipation

With the upcoming release of Flash MX 2004 and ActionScript 2.0 just around the corner, I'm looking forward to a new era of Flash development. One of the most exciting aspects about the new release is the evolution of ActionScript. No longer are we attached to the prototype for Object-Orientated Programming in our applications, as ActionScript has evolved into a full featured "true" Object-Oriented languauge with it's 2.0 debut.

I believe this is a good thing on a number of levels.

First, developers accustomed to other languages will have an easier time migrating to Flash. To me this is a great thing, as it will allow Java developers, for example, to dive into Flash with much less of a learning curve. The community is in a fantastic position to grow, and that benefits everyone involved with more opportunities and better exposure.

Second, it should make learning Object-Oriented Programming that much easier. Trying to learn a concept in a language that doesn't fully a concept is difficult. Not that ActionScript didn't support the concept.. but it supported the concept differently than the other popular OOP languages. I think it will be easier for people to see parallels now, and I hope to see a lot of light bulbs of understanding light up the community.

Third, it gives me something to talk about. Having been exposed to OOP for quite some time and having been in the trenches, I'm looking forward to sharing my experiences with others to help them grow and overcome some of the stumbling blocks.

The new language elements are not something to fear, but rather something to embrace. I will be among the many offering tips, tricks, and techniques to help coders get accustomed to ActionScript 2.0 in the coming weeks and months.