Paradigm | Multi-paradigm: object-oriented (prototype-based), functional, imperative, scripting |
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Designed by | Gary Grossman |
Developer | Macromedia (now dissolved into Adobe Systems) |
First appeared | 1998 |
Stable release |
3.0 / June 27, 2006
|
Typing discipline | strong, static |
Website | help.adobe.com |
Major implementations | |
Adobe Flash Player, Adobe AIR, Apache Flex, Scaleform GFx | |
Influenced by | |
JavaScript, Java | |
Influenced | |
Haxe |
Filename extension | .as |
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Internet media type | application/ecmascript |
ActionScript is an object-oriented programming language originally developed by Macromedia Inc. (since merged into Adobe Systems). It is a derivation of HyperTalk, the scripting language for HyperCard. It is now a dialect of ECMAScript (meaning it is a superset of the syntax and semantics of the language more widely known as JavaScript), though it originally arose as a sibling, both being influenced by HyperTalk.
ActionScript is used primarily for the development of websites and software targeting the Adobe Flash Player platform, used on Web pages in the form of embedded SWF files.
ActionScript 3 is also used with Adobe AIR system for the development of desktop and mobile applications. The language itself is open-source in that its specification is offered free of charge and both an open source compiler (as part of Apache Flex) and open source virtual machine (Mozilla Tamarin) are available.
ActionScript is also used with Scaleform GFx for the development of 3D video game user interfaces and HUDs.
ActionScript was initially designed for controlling simple 2D vector animations made in Adobe Flash (formerly Macromedia Flash). Initially focused on animation, early versions of Flash content offered few interactivity features and thus had very limited scripting capability. Later versions added functionality allowing for the creation of Web-based games and rich Internet applications with streaming media (such as video and audio). Today, ActionScript is suitable for mobile development through Adobe AIR, use in some database applications, and in basic robotics, as with the Make Controller Kit.