I've had a few people ask for more information on the ActionScript 3 workshop I'm running in Toronto at the end of September, and I thought it would be good to clarify the course goals.

This is not a beginner workshop. It is firmly targeted at developers who have a working knowledge of ActionScript 2, and want a fast way to get running with AS3. As such, I will not be covering any basic programming concepts, but instead will focus on differences between AS2 and AS3, and the new features of the language. It will be filled with tips, tricks, best-practices, and gotchas I've picked up while applying AS3 to both experimental and commercial projects.

It is lecture format, but with room for some open discussion and Q&A. Attendees will be given comprehensive course notes, and source code for all in-course examples.

Here are the goals of the workshop:


  • high level understanding of the AS3 language
  • confidence migrating from AS2 to AS3
  • competency working with core AS3 concepts
  • introduction to nearly all new AS3 capabilities
  • brief introduction to AS3 powered technology: AIR and Flex

And the high-level outline:

  • overview of AS3 and AVM2
  • migrating from AS2
  • display list
  • events and interaction
  • network: loading data & assets
  • parsing data: RegExp & E4X
  • runtime errors
  • garbage collection
  • new capabilities (objects and methods)
  • Flex & AIR (time permitting)
  • tips / best practices / gotchas / q&a throughout

And don't forget that the onAIR bus tour is happening in Toronto the next day, so this is a great chance to get some in-depth training on AS3, then learn all about one of the technologies it powers.

If you're interested in signing up, you can enter "gskinner" to get $25 off. If you're planning to send a few people, fire RMI an email and they might be able to hook you up with an even better discount. Registration information is available here.

Let me know if you have any questions.