The backbone of a complex Flash document is its programming. Flash designers use programs to make buttons, change scenery, allow users to input data, and so forth. While Flash programming is not easy, version 5 comes with a variety of tools that help you navigate the tricky waters of programming without getting shipwrecked.
The following pages should give you a brief overview of the Flash ActionScript language, the tools given to you in the Flash package, and the ways you can make your Flash movies really shine.
After you've read through these pages, feel free to sit down at one of the IMAGE lab computers and go through our tutorial. We hope it gives you a good introduction to ActionScript programming.