KoolMoves 7 technology preview

[w.brants]

As you all may know, Bob is working hard on the next version of KoolMoves named KoolMoves 7.
This thread will show you some technology preview demos so you know what you are waiting for :shhh:

KM7 is all about ActionScript 3.0 .
AS 3.0 is a new scripting language that is a lot faster compared to AS 1.0 but also more complex.
Since AS 3.0 isn't compatible with AS 1.0 a brand new set of components had to be created.
The AS 3.0 based KM7 components will be skinned using bitmap images.

Here's a few of the new components placed together on stage. (http://www.waterlijn.info/km/KM7TechPreview/KM_AS3_Demo1.html)

This example shows the new improved list component.
It's much faster compared to the current one and can handle a few thousand items without problems. (http://www.waterlijn.info/km/KM7TechPreview/KM_AS3_Demo2.html)

Most of the capabilities of the current SlideShow component are merged into the MediaPlayer component to create one new enhanced MediaPlayer component.
MediaPlayer component example 1 (http://www.waterlijn.info/km/KM7TechPreview/KM_AS3_Demo3.html)
MediaPlayer component example 2 (http://www.waterlijn.info/km/KM7TechPreview/KM_AS3_Demo4.html)

All examples mentioned above were compiled using the beta version of KM7 and require FlashPlayer9 to be viewed.
:)

[Stoke Laurie]

Lookin good Wilbert, can't wait to get my hands on it!:)

[Nightcap]

After seeing this I can only say: "I want, I want, I want..." ;)

:cap:

[Putz]

The look is kind of Mac-ish, altleast that what it reminded me of !

Just wondering, is there more AS control of the components ? eg. stop start pause etc.. for the mediapalyer ?
what can you tell us ?

[ghol]

It looks good, thought few question, is it easy for newbie to make one media palyer with koolmoves?

Is it still using the same GUI of KM?

is there any changes in timeline? ( which I never happend to like the KM's timeline)

Any update for type of line joining (Round, Miter and Bevel)?
http://www.adobe.com/livedocs/flash/8/main/images/linejoin.jpg

It would be great if you could show us some new GUI screenshot of KM if there is any.

Thank you

[blanius]

You can make mediaplayer VERY easily in the current version as well as next.

Same GUI

No changes to timeline (don't use it much myself)

You can do line joining when drawing in actionscript now.

GUI looks the same basically.

[w.brants]

The look is kind of Mac-ish, altleast that what it reminded me of !
It's just bitmap images. This won't be the only skin you can use.

Just wondering, is there more AS control of the components ? eg. stop start pause etc.. for the mediapalyer ?
The things you are mentioning (start, stop, pause) are possible.

Just like getting used to AS3, you will have to get used to the new components since some things are handled a bit different. The external playlists for the mediaplayer for example are now XML based and offer more options.
.fd files won't be used anymore by the new mediaplayer component. The data for the spectrum analyzer the media player example is showing is calculated in realtime for the sound(s) currently playing.

[ghol]

You can do line joining when drawing in action script now.

it would be great if you guys could add this option into shape Properties >> Look (I mean Line Join option)

Action script never means easy for newbie, please consider GUI Action assist for newbies as well and more feature Like what I mentioned above.

Ruler would be nice thing to have.

I have recently bought KoolMoves which I am very familiar with Macromedia flash MX Tools and off course some intermediate Action script 2, however KoolMoves scares me, KoolMoves help file is very poor and does not help much.

I certainly do not know how to do simple shape and motion tweening in KoolMoves yet , is this possible in KM 7 with GUI function?

If you reading this then I am sure you know how bad I am with Koolmoves even thought of knowing Macromedia flash.

Anyway, hope KM 7 will helps guys like me more. Thank you

[w.brants]

KoolMoves help file is very poor and does not help much.
The user manual http://www.koolmoves.com/tutorials/usermanual.pdf although not updated recently, provides a lot of information on how to use KoolMoves.
There's also a repository http://koolexchange.com/ containing a lot of examples you can download and study.

For those who are working with components, the documentation of properties and methods of the AS3 components will be better compared to the documentation for the current components.

[ghol]

Thank you, But I still think KM could have better GUI, it would be easy to get what I want, I have learned things in a classic way, frankly speaking I have learn how to make basic thing with KM but after few hours I forgot which tool I have used to that. I may be stupid with KM I have made flash site with macromedia MX, I like KoolMoves and I like what it does, That's why I have paid for it. Now please take a note from users like me, make it easy GUI and every option will be available with selection a tool for that certain tool.

I hope you understand my poor English.

Thought more screen shot from KM 7 feature would be nice of you to share with us.

[Stoke Laurie]

ghol, although I appreciate thet you may be on a learning curve with Koolmoves, I can assure you what you can achieve with this software, very quickly, is infinitely simpler than trying to get conversant with Flash.

[ghol]

Thank you for convincing, I really hope KM7 won't take much time to learn.

Even thought this topic is not suitable to discuss about KM learning curve but

I really hope somehow KM7 could make less writing code, some how by clicking of few button makes coding much easier. that's all for now

[Chris_Seahorn]

I really hope somehow KM7 could make less writing code, some how by clicking of few button makes coding much easier. that's all for now

Compared with Flash, Flex or any other SWF authoring tool, KM already does simplify a LOT of coding with GUI item selections so I think you're just overwhelmed by it being new to you.

Try a free demo of Flash (or any other SWF authoring tool) and compare it's interface to how easy Koolmoves attempts to make the experience for new users. Flex....even worse. Some coding...whether you like it or not...you have to embrace. With Koolmoves ability to import it's own source (.fun) into another movie (scripting intact) you really only need to make something complicated once (say a customized listbox), save it and re-import it into another movie whenever you need one.

For the money...Koolmoves simply cannot be beat for users of any skill level. KM7 is going to redefine the platform...watch and see. KM6 code is going to get dusty.....quick :)

[blanius]

Tweening is where KM is really simple.... gohl the trick is to NOT think in terms of Flash MX timeline the KM timeline EVERY FRAME IS A KEY FRAME. So to motion tween an object you just place it on a frame, add copy of frame and set the number of tweens between frames and voila...

[blanius]

Woo hoo... Got my first custom class working in the beta of KM7

http://bretlanius.com/flash/km7stuff/dicetest.html

This class was built using flashdevelop some time ago. But here it is being imported into KM7

This is were KM7 is going to shine, using custom classes.... plus the new built in components are looking awesome and are very flexible.

[w.brants]

I'm glad you got it working Bret :)

You and Chris are right about the custom classes.
It's a big advancement that makes development much easier.

[necromanthus]

KM7 is all about ActionScript 3.0 .

Here's a few of the new components placed together on stage. (http://www.waterlijn.info/km/KM7TechPreview/KM_AS3_Demo1.html)

Well done Wilbert!
I'm preparing some 3D stuff in KM7.
Are you interested in a 3D model of a kitty?
:cap:

[w.brants]

Thanks Remus :)

And of course I love to see your 3D kitty.
Is AS3 already powerful enough for it ?

[necromanthus]

Is AS3 already powerful enough for it ?

No, is not.
And AS4 doesn't come with anything spectacular.
But in this case we're talking about a few hundreds polygons 3D model.
Any dual-core processor should be able to get a decent frame rate.

cheers

[Chris_Seahorn]

For those who are working with components, the documentation of properties and methods of the AS3 components will be better compared to the documentation for the current components.

You've really brought the docs into a new realm and it's what a lot of us are are used to seeing already with livedocs and language references and ASDoc'ish things and all. You've done a phenomenal job...all of you.

I have to ask. What is the plan for SWC support?

Without it we loose commercial wrappers as alternatives for the new toys. We have a lot of commercial KM coders and some must wrap for desktop use or kiosks or etc that simply don't frequent the forum or make themselves known. As Bob said, we have thousands of KM users. If KM can't support SWC it renders itself unable to be the full core of say an SWF Studio wrapped commercial anything. Almost all (ZINC, SWFS, etc ) went to distributing classes in SWC files and not external class definitions.

[Chris_Seahorn]

I should follow that with I'm sure that would add a huge amount of work for Bob. Maybe a Pro version so it could justify the work. Standard or Pro KM has a ring to it :)

[blanius]

As I understand it the first release of 7 probably won't have SWC support.
I too have encouraged Bob that this is essential in the long run, but I think he is stretched at this point to get KM7 out without SWC support. I suppose it will come later with an incremental upgrade after the launch of 7.

[w.brants]

As far as I know SWC support won't be covered by KM 7.0 .

AS3 is a complex language with much more different language structures compared to AS1. It's almost impossible to support everything Flash and Flex support and certainly to support it all at once.

SWC is a file format Adobe uses. In most cases it contains precompiled actionscript classes and a xml file describing the methods. There are also SWC files containing more than that. The SWC files Google and Northcode distribute for example are less complex (when it comes to the file structure) compared to the one Yahoo is distributing.
The fact that the classes are precompiled means a way would have to be found to deal with that to support it.

When AS1 support was added to KM (as far as I remember) the amount of supported syntax was extended gradually. The amount of the AS3 language that is currently covered most likely already exceeds what the majority of the KM users will ever use. I'm not saying things like SWC support are insignificant or inimportant but last time Bob was asked when KM7 would be released he stated it might be the end of summer. A lot of users are looking forward to the KM7 release.
It's up to Bob what he wants to support for the KM 7.0 release but to me as a KM user, it makes little sense to add several more months to that to support very complex features. I just wanna play with it :) It makes more sense to me when he saves those things for KM 7.x releases that will follow KM 7.0 .

[Chris_Seahorn]

I agree on all points...especially the "want to play with it now" one :)

SWC can be worked around by loading KM7 into another core which can utilize it (CS3,Flex etc) so those who need it will have access to it since KM7 now supports the loader class so I'm not sweating it....I was only curious .

I already know he has done an awesome job because I can this minute port nearly all my existing AS3 scripting for my website, almost verbatim, with little to no changes needing to be made (except targeting your components instead of Flex based ones of course and other things specific to KM). The main scripting changes needed (in my case because of existing AS3) were to rework any use of E4X to normal methods but otherwise I'm amazed at how spot on he has this working.

If he stopped right now...this minute...he would still have the coolest 3rd party swf authoring tool on the market (Swish and 3DFA and the rest couldn't compare to KM IMO when it was limited to AS1 and they will be in the same boat with AS3) and I agree getting the GUI plugged in and other things are far more important. Thanks for the replies too :)

[Bob Hartzell]

Wilbert deserves a large portion of the credit. We worked well together. If you come across syntax structures or code fragments which are not working correctly, email them to Wilbert.

[ghol]

As for me I have no clue what Is AS 3. will be any GUI for basic AS such loading external sound and controlling audio, Loading external .SWF, FLV into specifice location of stage through through AS3 or as what we have with most current version KM?

And secondly, is there any preview / beta version for download?

Thank you

[w.brants]

AS3 is just a different and more powerful scripting language.
To give you an idea about the differences here's a simple AS1 script and its AS3 equivalent

AS1mx = 5;

mc1._x += mx;
mc1.onPress = function(){
this._y++;
}

onEnterFrame = function(){
mc1._rotation += 5;
mc1._alpha = mc1._rotation / 3.6;
}
AS3var mx:int = 5;

mc1.x += mx;

function pressHandler(e:MouseEvent):void {
e.target.y++;
}

mc1.addEventListener('mouseDown', pressHandler);

function enterFrameHandler(e:Event):void {
mc1.rotation += 5;
mc1.alpha = mc1.rotation / 360;
}

addEventListener('enterFrame', enterFrameHandler);There are only a few users who have access to the beta.
Those are familiar with the AS3 scripting language so they can test things.

[mvivit]

The AS3 support is great...but it begs the question for me and (maybe) some other developers not as versed in that version. What are the best ways for us to learn AS3? I hate to just jump around from link to link if you AS3-savvy developers can recommend some good sources.

Thanks in advance!

[blanius]

The Colin Mook's book is a good start Essential Actionscript 3 (http://http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0596526946?ie=UTF8&tag=bretsplace&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0596526946)

It's the one I'm using. But the Adobe online docs are VERY good and the new components will have good documentation available online as well.

[ghol]

Thank you blanius. But I prefer most basic AS could be done by GUI (changing option by click of mouse).

such as;
FScommands( to add Visual Basic, Visual C++,javascript)
loadMovie()

loadMovieNum()

Loading dynamic objects

Loading audio and Pausing and Resuming a Sound with help GUI

Using Key Class to Add Interactivity

if (Key.isDown(Key.RIGHT)) {

_root.gotoAndStop("Frame 2");

} else if (Key.isDown(Key.LEFT)) {

_root.gotoAndStop("Frame 1");

}
Controling TimeLine with AS

onEnterFrame Events

button event and off course many more

[blanius]

The big changes are

you must declare what type of object it is when you first use it. That the stuff after the : in Wilbert's example
Events and Listeners is totally new, and I had a little trouble with them at first, but then I realized it's a much better method.
Basic syntax has change a good deal


But all in all it's not terribly difficult. Also don't forget there is an Actionscript 3 forum here at flashkit and it's totally valid to ask questions in there as well. If you go look you'll see I've been asking some myself.

[w.brants]

Ghol, in your case it probably is best to wait for the KM7 release, and ask some questions on this forum or look at the examples that come with it.

Scripting is all about freedom and the control you have about things as a user. It doesn't make any sense at all if the list you are mentioning would be added to the gui. It would take Bob a lot of time and you will see that once you are scripting you always want more. Besides that, AS3 doesn't have a Key class and loadMovie and LoadMovieNum don't exist anymore. If you want to script, you simply have to put in some time and effort to learn how to do it.

[tmoore935]

[QUOTE=w.brants] Besides that, AS3 doesn't have a Key class and loadMovie and LoadMovieNum don't exist anymore. QUOTE]
So what is the official way to use loadMovieNum as that was one key feature that I used a lot.

[necromanthus]

Besides that, AS3 doesn't have a Key class and loadMovie and LoadMovieNum don't exist anymore.
So what is the official way to use loadMovieNum as that was one key feature that I used a lot.

import flash.net.URLRequest;
var ldr:Loader = new Loader();
var url:String = "whatever.swf";
var urlReq:URLRequest = new URLRequest(url);
ldr.load(urlReq);

[mvivit]

Thanks for all the suggestions, folks! I don't have an environment to "play" in at the moment, but I can certainly take a look at code and changes reflected in documentation.

[necromanthus]

Because someone asked me to post the KM7 (complete) code in case of "loadMovie":

var ldr:Loader = new Loader();
var url:String = "whatever.swf";
var urlReq:URLRequest = new URLRequest(url);
ldr.load(urlReq);
addChild(ldr);
ldr.x = 100;
ldr.y = 100;
stop();


cheers

[blanius]

in case Necro's code is greek to you here's an explaination

var declares that this is a type of variable
ldr:Loader ldr is the name of this new variable then the colon and Loader state what type of object it is
new Loader(); creates it
var ldr:Loader = new Loader();
Next two lines are similar just this time it is a String and a URLRequest
var url:String = "whatever.swf";

var urlReq:URLRequest = new URLRequest(url);
Now he calls the load function of ldr (a Loader object) passing urReg variable
ldr.load(urlReq);
addChild() is how you add your object to the stage in AS3 this is required for all display objects if you want to see them. The cool thing is that you can do things and have the object react to events even if it's not showing on the stage
addChild(ldr);
Then he sets the x and y positon of the loaded movie
ldr.x = 100;
ldr.y = 100;
stop();

[tmoore935]

Because someone asked me to post the KM7 (complete) code in case of "loadMovie":

var ldr:Loader = new Loader();
var url:String = "whatever.swf";
var urlReq:URLRequest = new URLRequest(url);
ldr.load(urlReq);
addChild(ldr);
ldr.x = 100;
ldr.y = 100;
stop();


cheers
Thank you necr. I set up a demo on my hard drive for future reference. I was wondering if KM7 will be able to do something like this with Sound:
http://www.diversioncentral.com/josh/soundSpectrumEagle.html

[Nightcap]

The AS in KM7 is becoming a full blown programming language! I'm sure it will take some time to get used to it. However, like other modern programming languages, AS3 will offer KM7 users a lot more freedom and creativity in the end.

@Blanius: thanx for the "Essential Actionscript 3" book tip!

@tmoore: it will be interesting to hear from Wilbert concerning your example.

:cap:

[Chris_Seahorn]

Thank you necr. I set up a demo on my hard drive for future reference. I was wondering if KM7 will be able to do something like this with Sound:
http://www.diversioncentral.com/josh/soundSpectrumEagle.html


This is a great example of how users who prefer GUI selections to simplify scripting and others who prefer to script by hand will get the best of both worlds (just like they did with AS1). Wilbert has spectrums built into components (simplified for users) but you will also be able to utilize the Soundmixer and ByteArray classes and build your own if you choose to write your own scripts or custom classes.

I'm looking at one run as I type built with a custom class so trust me, KM7 will certainly allow you to create something like (or better than even) the example you posted :)

[tmoore935]

I'm looking at one run as I type built with a custom class so trust me, KM7 will certainly allow you to create something like (or better than even) the example you posted :)

I know wilberts will be better. I just wanted to show a differnt AC3 direction. And my example is like 10 lines of code. As for real coding, As I pound thru with Brute force, I am learning AS3. I have not seen it discused here but I had to relearn using all code from the frame and packages and not to do any noodle coding.

[blanius]

I hear ya Tmoore, it has taken me a little time to get started. But once I dug in and tried creating my one componet (very simple one) and now I've been able to bring that component into KM7 and it works It's kinda exciting.

In case anyone is interested here is the code for the dice component I showed
/**
* @author Bret Lanius
* @version 0.1
* Intended class for use with Koolmoves 7
*/

package com.bretlanius.game {


import flash.display.*;
import flash.geom.*;

public class Dice extends Sprite{

private var _number:int;
public var _bg:int;
public var canvas:Sprite = new Sprite;

public function Dice():void {//set defaults

_number = 6;
_bg= 0xf5f5f5;

}

public function getNumber():int {
//retrieve value
return _number;
}
public function setBg(c:int):void {
_bg = c;
}
public function draw():void {
//Clear it first before redrawing
canvas.graphics.clear();
var y1:int = 18;
var y2:int = 50;
var y3:int = 80;
//redraw visual representation of die

//draw box
canvas.graphics.beginFill(_bg, 1);
canvas.graphics.lineStyle(1, 0, 1, false, "normal", null, "round");
canvas.graphics.drawRoundRect(0, 0, 100, 100, 9);

var y:int = 5;
//draw dots

var fillType:String = GradientType.LINEAR;
var colors:Array = [0xc8c8c8, 0x000000];
var alphas:Array = [1, 1];
var ratios:Array = [0, 255];
canvas.graphics.lineStyle(.4, 0xffffff, 1);
canvas.graphics.beginGradientFill(fillType, colors, alphas, ratios);
if (_number == 1) {
canvas.graphics.drawCircle(y2,y2, 10);
}
if (_number == 2) {
canvas.graphics.drawCircle(y1, y1, 10);
canvas.graphics.drawCircle(y3, y3, 10);
}
if (_number == 3) {
canvas.graphics.drawCircle(y1, y1, 10);
canvas.graphics.drawCircle(y2, y2, 10);
canvas.graphics.drawCircle(y3, y3, 10);
}
if (_number == 4) {
canvas.graphics.drawCircle(y1, y1, 10);
canvas.graphics.drawCircle(y1, y3, 10);
canvas.graphics.drawCircle(y3, y1, 10);
canvas.graphics.drawCircle(y3, y3, 10);
}
if (_number == 5) {
canvas.graphics.drawCircle(y1, y1, 10);
canvas.graphics.drawCircle(y1, y3, 10);
canvas.graphics.drawCircle(y2, y2, 10);
canvas.graphics.drawCircle(y3, y1, 10);
canvas.graphics.drawCircle(y3, y3, 10);
}
if (_number == 6) {
canvas.graphics.drawCircle(y1, y1, 10);
canvas.graphics.drawCircle(y1, y2, 10);
canvas.graphics.drawCircle(y1, y3, 10);
canvas.graphics.drawCircle(y3, y1, 10);
canvas.graphics.drawCircle(y3, y2, 10);
canvas.graphics.drawCircle(y3, y3, 10);
}
addChild(canvas);
}

public function roll():void {
//generate new number
_number = (6 * Math.random())+1;

}

}

}


Just getting this working was a real learning experience for me. And this is the kind of thing I would recommend to anyone wanting to learn. I did this in Flashdevelop using the FLEX api before KM7 beta was ready then only had a minor error when I used it in KM but Wilbert helped me sort it out.

[w.brants]

Chris is right TMoore, it won't be a problem to create something like that.
KoolMoves itself comes with a simple spectrum analyzer (http://www.waterlijn.info/km/KM7TechPreview/KM_AS3_Demo6.html) that is also used by the media player component.

Event handling and using the display list might take a little time to get used to.
Maybe this page from the Adobe livedocs explains a bit about the display list
http://livedocs.adobe.com/flash/9.0/main/00000142.html

[Stoke Laurie]

I feel like the kid with his nose pressed against the sweet shop window, and the chosen few are pushing it, haven't felt like this since v6 was launched. Earlier you mentioned that those beta testing were conversant with as3, but from this thread that is clearly not the case. I think I speak for a few in here that stand on the outside again. Particularly as some of them have consciencously contributed help and koolexchange examples for existing versions.

[Bob Hartzell]

Only about 3 people are playing with the beta which at this point is not fully functioning.

[FLASHPULSE]

I have not recieved a beta in some time but that could be for a few reasons. But I can tell you guys have been working hard with AS3 and KM7 looks to be interesting. Nice work guys! ;)

[tmoore935]

I have not recieved a beta in some time but that could be for a few reasons. But I can tell you guys have been working hard with AS3 and KM7 looks to be interesting. Nice work guys! ;)
I have not either but I am not the best tester. I looked today at your website flashpulse. I guess you are really into the minimalist look.:) :p

[Chris_Seahorn]

FLV-Dropper v2
Koolmoves Beta / Adobe Air 1.0
A desktop application requires adobe air runtime (one time install)

Just using the beta at this stage (scripting only) and KM7's ability to export F9 swf, the improvements over the KM6/AIR Exchange submission are worth the recode. When KM7 goes final, you may find you revisit old code that may be improved with what AS3 brings to the table. Just my simple FLV-Loader alone has seen a few:

1. localConnections no longer needed as KM7 can utilize the Loader class. This was a massive improvement in and of itself. The Loader class rocks. Start reading about it now :)

2. Wilberts new components can now handle thousands (and I mean thousands) of items and I no longer have to cap search returns at 200 (an arbitrary number chosen for no reason but to cap).

3. Always On Top now added

4. Add Mode (will add dropped files to existing playlist) and Clear Mode (dropped files will replace current playlist) added.

Everything I link to or show will eventually be source code at the exchange once KM7 goes final.


Some screenshots of KM7 and Adobe AIR working as a team:

http://krazyaboutpizza.co.uk/KM7_FLV_Dropper.jpg

http://krazyaboutpizza.co.uk/KM7_FLV_Dropper2.jpg

http://krazyaboutpizza.co.uk/KM7_FLV_Dropper3.jpg

[w.brants]

Great work Chris !
It looks professional. I'm glad you like the new things and am looking forward to your contributions once KM7 goes final :)

[Chris_Seahorn]

Check your inbox :)

[FLASHPULSE]

I have not either but I am not the best tester. I looked today at your website flashpulse. I guess you are really into the minimalist look.:) :p
I was going for the notepad look. :p

Chris: Looks interesting, can't wait for KM7. :D

[Bob Hartzell]

Thanks Chris.

[Chris_Seahorn]

It's I who thank you. Thanks you for all your hard work Bob. I know this version upgrade is unlike any other before it as far as work involved for you and all I can say is Lucky Monkey is very lucky indeed to have you. We are too :)

[jbongo]

so i've been following this forum since I'm looking forward to KM 7. But just to clarify (since i don't know). With AS 3 being supported does that mean AS 1 won't be? I know that they're different (and AS 3 is supposed to be better) but Koolmoves is only a hobby for me and not something i do full time. I don't want to relearn all the codes i know at once. And does it mean older files with AS 1 won't run properly? Call me stupid, but i think it's a good question for the people who don't know as much.

[Bob Hartzell]

This is a very good question. Export at Flash 8 or below will only accept AS1. Export at Flash 9 is tricky. Flash 9 export will only accept AS3 (in KoolMoves). If there is existing AS1 code or motion scripts or components, there is complication and how that will be handled is still not fully determined. AS1 cannot be mixed with AS3 in the same movie but swfs containing AS1 can be loaded into movies with AS3. There will be an opportunity to convert AS1-based components into newer AS3 components that have greater flexibility and are skinned. There will also be AS3 equivalents to some of the motion scripts which will provide much better CPU utilization. For remaining AS1 objects, they will probably be encapsulated into AS1 movies and under-the-covers loaded into the AS3 movie. There will be 100% compatibility if the export remains below Flash 9. At Flash 9 export, scripting at the frame or button level added by the user will have to be converted to AS3. I hope I have answered your question. I think you can appreciate that there is considerable technical challenge in achieving a Flash 9 export using prior projects.

[blanius]

Here's an example of using a refelection component that I found online.

fairly easy to get working in KM7 once Wilbert helped me load an image in.
At this point everything has to be coded, the AS3 components are not working in the GUI yet.

Cool thing is that because of the display hierarchy the reflection is a child of the image so it will move with it and hide the image the reflection hides and so on, you don't have to deal with it once created. This would have been hard to do in AS1

[Stoke Laurie]

^ No link Bret?

[blanius]

^ No link Bret?
DOH!!!!!

Sorry
http://bretlanius.com/flash/km7stuff/reflectiontest.html

[Stoke Laurie]

Looks good, and useful.

[ghol]

it's great feature, is this reflection can be applied in to text as well?

http://img179.imageshack.us/img179/1199/reflectionpt6.jpg

[necromanthus]

is this reflection can be applied in to text as well?


Yes, and you can do it with KM 6.2 and AS1 without any problems:
http://forum.necromanthus.com/necroforum.php?forum=2&topic=169
Of course, anything on this world can be improved.:cap:
In this case you can use CopyPixels, you can generate the gradient mask at runtime, and so on.

:mrpimp:

[ghol]

I did not know, and thanks for let us know here.

[Chris_Seahorn]

An example of using the Display List (which you could not do with 6.2) might help understand we will have a completely new way to construct our websites and movies and all the possibilities and opportunities we never had until now are now open as food for thought and design.

For instance. WIlberts componenets. What we had is what we had in 6.2. We could exploit their methods and properties and be creative but what it was is what it was. In KM7, you will be able to in effect extend and twist his components in ways you never could before...if you embrace AS3 :)

This is a new List component Wilbert created. It loads a list of fake items . Using the display list I add a child to the list....a labelscroll component in this case. It is part of the list. Added at runtime and allows itself to be manipulated fully as it is a child of the list.

This example lets you remove it from the list at runtime.

http://krazyaboutpizza.co.uk/List_AddChild.swf

This is just a small, small example of the things we will be able to do now. Trust me...we will have two distinct camps after final....those who utilize AS1 and those who utilize AS3 and the Exchange will have to address it but it will be great fun and a massive boost up for the platform in general IMO :)

[Chris_Seahorn]

KM7 will introduce a lot of you to the concept of reparenting. No more do we attachMovie and all with AS3, we utilize the Display List instead and it makes adding and removing items easy peasy.

It also lets us reparent items already on the Display List in one fell swoop....addChild called on an existing child automatically removes the child from the source container (removeChild) and reparents it to where you direct it:

http://krazyaboutpizza.co.uk/Reparenting_KM7.swf

If I have a movie with two lists with instance names of "l1" and "l2" and a labelscroll component with an instance name of "ls" I can swap it as a child easily

l1.addChild(ls); (ls is removed from l2 and reparented to l1)

or

l2.addChild(ls);(ls is removed from l1 and reparented to l2)


Remember....these are simple demos. Your children can be anything you dream up :D

Word of the day: Reparenting :)

[w.brants]

Nice example Chris.
You are right, the display list makes a lot of things possible that weren't possible before like reparenting.
What I consider to be a disadvantage is that there's no way to destroy an object besides removing all references to it and hope the GC will pick it up. It still feels a bit strange to me a movieclip removed from the stage still keeps running.

[Chris_Seahorn]

The mysterious modern GC....hahaha. Many a blogger has attempted to make sense of it. Even now.

[w.brants]

Yes, the GC doesn't always make sense.

Here's another example showing some of the flexibility of the new components. (http://www.waterlijn.info/km/KM7TechPreview/KM_AS3_Demo7.html)

[Stoke Laurie]

Presumably that list can be populated externally, which would make it very useful as a shoping cart display.

[blanius]

Yes, and you can do it with KM 6.2 and AS1 without any problems:
http://forum.necromanthus.com/necroforum.php?forum=2&topic=169
Of course, anything on this world can be improved.:cap:
In this case you can use CopyPixels, you can generate the gradient mask at runtime, and so on.

:mrpimp:

The difference that is that in the AS3 example the reflection is part of the image because it is a child of it in the hierarchy and doesn't require any code nor does it require a mask which has it's own limitations like the need to embed fonts if masking dynamic text.

[blanius]

Presumably that list can be populated externally, which would make it very useful as a shoping cart display.

YES!

[necromanthus]

What I consider to be a disadvantage is that there's no way to destroy an object besides removing all references to it and hope the GC will pick it up.
It still feels a bit strange to me a movieclip removed from the stage still keeps running.

It means wasted memory and wasted processing power.

Yes, the GC doesn't always make sense.

That's true Wilbert.
I was playing with AS3 before the release of Adobe Flash 9 (CS3) and I can tell you for sure: there're many "strange" and buggy features.
The Garbage Collector approach is one of them.

The difference that is that in the AS3 example the reflection is part of the image because it is a child of it in the hierarchy and doesn't require any code nor does it require a mask which has it's own limitations like the need to embed fonts if masking dynamic text.

I know that Bret, but most of the KM users need the AS1 approach.
And I gave them a simple one. ;)


Now coming back to AS3:
AS2 was not popular at all, and I have the feeling AS3 cannot become popular.
For many reasons. Only few of them:
- there're big syntax differences & methods between AS1 and AS3.
Many people don't feel comfortable to work with it.
- almost no one is going to update an old (complex) website containing hundreds or thousands of AS1 lines.
A lot of work for almost nothing (the performance boost is not spectacular in case of "basic" things)
- AS3 components are running much faster.
But how many KM users are using components and who is ready to update the entire application in order to use the new components?
- many KM users already asked me if "flash 9 - AS1" is going to be available in KM7.
Bob, are you here? :cap:

Now to conlude: AS3 is an excellent choice for any NEW project.
As long as the flash developer is able to learn & understand it.

[blanius]

Necro you make good points, I think most people can learn AS3. If I can it can't be too hard. I'm not great with it but I've managed to get things done.

I'd never rebuild anything AS1 to AS3 but everything new will be.

[w.brants]

I'm not that pessimistic about AS3 Remus :)

I believe in time AS3 will become more popular for the simple reason Adobe is "forcing" us to use it. Flash Player 9 didn't offer much new things besides the AS3 scripting language. Flash Player 10 will offer new functionality when it comes to creativity like custom filters and 3D rotation of flat objects that can only be used when the AVM2 is targeted.

You are right the syntax differences are big and it will take time to learn AS3. I know most KM users aren't experienced scripters but Bob integrates the new components into the gui. Also besides supporting the listener approach Adobe uses, I also added support to most components for the old way. So when a user adds an AS3 button component, it will be possible to use a syntax likebutton1.onClick = function(){
mc1.visible = false;
}

I don't know what "flash 9 - AS1" should be :confused:
There's no reason to export as swf9 when using AS1 since the new functionality is only available when using AS3.
If you mean using AS1 to target AVM2, that would almost be impossible. The way objects on stage are organized using the display list is so different that I don't think that would be possible but maybe I'm missing something.

Your final conclusion is absolutely right.
AS3 is most useful for new projects. If a KM user wants to learn it or not is a personal choise. If you don't need the new features Flash Player 9 (and later on 10) have to offer, there's no need to switch. If you want to use those new features there's just no choise thanks to Adobe.

[necromanthus]

I'm not that pessimistic about AS3 Remus :)

How can you be optimistic when AS4 is knocking on your door?
:smoov:


I don't know what "flash 9 - AS1" should be :confused:
There's no reason to export as swf9 when using AS1 since the new functionality is only available when using AS3.

See the attached image.
A tip: certain "tasty" FlashPlayer 9 features (related to FLV, network, etc) can be used only if the SWF is exported as version 9.
The features are independent of AS1, AS2 or AS3 and, also, they're independent of the Virtual Machine.

cheers

[necromanthus]

Ahhh ... I forgot to mention a very important thing:
"FP9 - AS1" would be the best way for the KM users to update their projects.
And the first step to "FP9 - AS3", of course. :p

[w.brants]

How can you be optimistic when AS4 is knocking on your door?
When I opened the door nobody was there :D

Well, serious Remus, if you know a site with detailed information, you are welcome to share it since I would find it interesting to read.
All I can find about AS4 is that it will be based on ECMAScript 4 but even that is still being worked on. Also from what I read is that it would be an evolution of AS3. I can't imagine Adobe making drastic changes again in such a short period of time. Of course they can but it would affect their credibility and the risk of losing users to MS Silverlight.

[necromanthus]

When I opened the door nobody was there :D

Well, serious Remus, if you know a site with detailed information, you are welcome to share it since I would find it interesting to read.

I tried to open a couple of doors at Adobe for you, but all of them are locked.
They all have the same big sign: NDA :D
Now seriously, there is a big chance to see (test) the first beta later this year.
And they're going to release it next year for sure.
Why so soon?
MS Silverlight is one of the reasons. :D

cheers (and keep up the great work there).

p.s.
Starting with KoolMoves v9, you'll get 3 export options:
AS1, AS3 and AS5.
Do you really need AS2 and AS4?
:mrpimp:

[blanius]

Starting with KoolMoves v9, you'll get 3 export options:
AS1, AS3 and AS5.
Do you really need AS2 and AS4?

LOL :) :) :) :) :) :)

[Stoke Laurie]

Not sure where this is going, as someone who has pushed the capabilities of Koolmoves from the start, I thought you would be keen on the upgrade Remus, but unless I read you wrong, you're saying the upgrade isn't worth it to the average KM user. I think the answer lies in who is the average KM user, are they on average more comfortable with gui based features than the background power of actionscript? if so, then the future power of KM relies on the quality of its' components, and their ease of use. I believe Wilberts' video and sound player ensured the success of v6. Maybe a study in their creation so that others could contribute would not only relieve some of the pressure on Wilbert, but also add a diversity to KM use. I believe there are several in the community who would contribute if they had some guidence.

[Bob Hartzell]

I would like to revisit the early days of KoolMoves when Johnnie (you will see his name on some of the threads) had a big influence on the technical direction of KoolMoves. He pushed me to add action scripting around 2001. At the time it didn't make any sense. Very few of our users used action scripting. It required a major allocation of our limited resources to implement action scripting and took many years to get most of it in place. The way the story turned out is that action scripting in itself was not so important but it provided a technology foundation that spawned motion scripts starting with Hilary, components, filters, preloaders, etc. -- all the cool features of KoolMoves. It may not be possible to understand the implications of AS3 for the future functionality of the product at this time. One avenue that I can see right now is 3D. Also, it will be possible to create effects which are computationally more sophisticated than we currently have in place. To stay competitive, we need to go down this path.

[necromanthus]

but unless I read you wrong

Yes, you did.
I was talking about flash environment and AS3.


the future power of KM relies on the quality of its' components, and their ease of use.

The future power of KM relies in its versatility, its ease of use and its price.
The components are just a part. Many users don't use them at all.
(do you see any components on necromanthus.com and inside of all those examples?).
But this is not the main point here.
In the past years we had an insignificant number of requests for AS2 support.
And I don't think AS3 is "gonna change the world".
It's just a step behind, like many others.

I want to close this subject. Don't you agree?
:smoov:

[necromanthus]

One avenue that I can see right now is 3D. Also, it will be possible to create effects which are computationally more sophisticated than we currently have in place. To stay competitive, we need to go down this path.

I totally agree.
As I said before, AS3 is an excellent choice for any NEW project.
And AS3 support for KoolMoves was a MUST.
What's going to be ... time will tell.

[Stoke Laurie]

I understand your viewpoint as an accomplished programmer you have achieved great things using as1, and as you say rarely if at all do you use components, however my only point was that the only area in which we have a slight shortfall compaired to flash is the availability of components, and if as3 made their creation easier, perhaps we could see some movement in that direction.

[necromanthus]

my only point was that the only area in which we have a slight shortfall compaired to flash is the availability of components

Stoke, you're wrong again.
See the attached image.
And those are the Default components only.
There're hundreds of custom components stored in external files.
As I told you before KM is powerful because of its versatility, its ease of use and its price.
Most of the users are asking for new features (not for new components).

p.s.
I agree with you. A programmer doesn't need components.
They're generic scripts, and a dedicated script runs always faster (it has been designed & optimized for a certain task).

[Stoke Laurie]

Stoke, you're wrong again.
Wrong? Again?

Most of the users are asking for new features (not for new components).
Not sure who all these most are your are quoting, as I said before the component improvements in v6 were a big hit, plus when we were asked in here by Wilbert for a wish list, there were a significant number of replies

Whatever we get in v7, we will all make of it what we can. Look forward to seeing the 3d Nebula.

[necromanthus]

Wrong? Again?

Ahhh ... sorry (I missed that "shortfall").
But as I told you before, components are very useful for newbies (or for artists who don't want to learn AS).
And because I want to see happy KM users: the Adobe Flash CS3 "FLV Player" component is a nightmare: 52KB and a waste of processing power.


Whatever we get in v7, we will all make of it what we can. Look forward to seeing the 3d Nebula.

KM7 is a big step ahead.
You'll get much more than a "3D Nebula" (but I need more "classes", and Bob is working hard to add/fix them).

cheers

[Chris_Seahorn]

For whatever the reasons, certain components are legendary. A good example is an RTE (Rich Text Editor for the newb). We are halfway there now. I've just been dinking around porting my old html editor into AS3 with the km7beta as a class. Now IMO Wilbert or anyone of the other gurus in here could code one better so that isn't my point....my point is...why not make it a component?. KM7 with an RTE....that is off the hook and if you don't think people use rte's in full flash sites, your dreaming. They've been around for years...earned their keep and if we could offer one as a drop in component I personally think that would be one very popular component indeed.

I won't sweat it either way because should we not blow the doors off the competition with an internal RTE...someone will class one in :)

[w.brants]

A RTE component would be possible but I have no idea how many users would use it. The internal KM AS3 components are skinned using bitmap images and that means a new native component would also mean creating skins for it.
A light weight 'alternative' would be to use a context menu ( http://www.waterlijn.info/km/as3/RichTextMenu.html ) but I know it's not the same.

[blanius]

Chris I for one would be greatful for the HTML editor as a class. Especially if I can send it reference to a text file and if was capable of handing it back through it's methods.

[Chris_Seahorn]

Unlike the media player where you would want to personalize it or make it unique, an RTE needs basic workhorse layout and could easily use precanned sprites for font size selection and formatting choices (bold, italic,etc). I'm just as sure Macromedia/Aobe has no idea who MIGHT want to use an RTE but their lasting through version after version proves their usefulness and the fact people ARE in fact using them.

Forums, admin panels, comment boxes and more are a few uses that come to mind and many users might want to store the native html in databases and re purpose it after the fact (much like I and many others have done with Flash/Flex blogs, forums and etc) in it's native form pulled into another Flash textfield.

Not trying to shake coconuts here, just mentioning how some components earned their place through popularity and have nothing to do with being a newb or not :)

If I wanted to recreate my Flex blog usin KM7 when it releases (which I most likely will), I would love to see an internal RTE component. If it doesn't exist I would HAVE to class it in because my blog (as an example) absolutely relies on RTE's both on the end user frontend as well as my desktop admin panel which lets me edit existing articles since they are sent to another admin RTE where it picks up the formatting like butter.

[Chris_Seahorn]

Pretty nifty example btw Wilbert :)

[ghol]

Component: Media Player, Please remove some and provide more beautiful skin, Some of those skin looks like stone age design. :)

Components are time saver or maybe live saver for me, if I sit-down to build one it may takes days.

[Stoke Laurie]

I have made a great deal of use of Chris's text editor and found it ideal for the purpose, if either you or Wilbert intend to extend its capabilities, I for one would be a very willing recipient.

[Chris_Seahorn]

There will be tons of package and class submissions at the exchange. Just you watch and see :)

I will repeat it at every opportunity until KM7 releases.........

this platform is going to explode with activity because it's that cool

Packages and Classes. My "Koolmoves 7 rocks!" words of the day :)

http://krazyaboutpizza.co.uk/editor_class1.jpg

[Stoke Laurie]

Yeah but does it spin round and round?:rolleyes:

[Chris_Seahorn]

Bob and Wilbert have been burning the midnight oil :)

The new NATIVE rte component working with dynamic data (http://krazyaboutpizza.co.uk/index.php?page=236)

Unbelievable. At this rate I might as well leave my jaw on the floor. This platform is off the hook :)

[Stoke Laurie]

Very nice boys.

[ghol]

Wow I love this RTE, is it easy to add and manage?

[Nightcap]

Looks great! Thanks Bob and team. And of course Chris for bringing it up in the first place.

:cap:

[Chris_Seahorn]

@Stoke

Take mine...and toss it in your recycle bin. Trust me...you'll never need it again (nor miss it) once this one arrives.

@ghol

It's easy as pie to use and just like our file extension...it's "fun" to play with too :)

@Nightcap

It's all them bro :thumbsup:

@All

My old html editor was to be an example at the new km website. I would like to officially request that any space that would have been used to show that html editor be focused on this new RTE component or have mine dropped completely and replaced with another fine selection from the exchange as it makes no sense to show how you could build one when Koolmoves now has one.

This new RTE component IS important. It will earn it's keep for Lucky Monkey just as it did for Macromedia/Adobe.

If you think components are useless...don't use any. If you do use components....you just got a famous one added to your platform thanks to these guys.

[w.brants]

You forget one important thing Chris.

Your RTE works great and is AS1 based.
It's good to have an AS1 based one also !

[Stoke Laurie]

Chris, its like you saying throw away your Beatles LPs, because there is new stuff to listen to, without the Beatles we wouldn't have the new stuff!,
By the way Wilbert, not wanting to be too gready, but I don't suppose I could celebrate the lauch of V7 on my accordion by any chance!?

[mvivit]

Very, very slick, gentlemen!

[w.brants]

I recreated my KM pages using the new beta.

No new content yet but it shows it is already possible to create something useful with the current beta.

http://www.waterlijn.info/km/

[necromanthus]

I recreated my KM pages using the new beta.
http://www.waterlijn.info/km/

Well done!
But do not forget about this one:
http://necromanthus.com/KoolMoves/AS3/BumpMapping.html
:smoov:

[Stoke Laurie]

Impressive

[Chris_Seahorn]

That DateChooser is a great addition. You guys ever sleep ? :) :) :)

[pushplay]

Is there a date of when we can expect the launch of KM7?

Thanks

[blanius]

From what I can tell it should be fairly soon. The core stuff seems to be there.
Be patient learning AS3 will be worth the effort but I know Bob and the team want to make sure doing it in KM is seemless, and the components should make things much easier.

[Bob Hartzell]

Late Oct or sometime in Nov. There are still a lot of loose ends.

[Kel33]

Just wanted to add my 2pence.

I've been using KoolMoves for the last year or so and without it I think I would have had a tough time getting into implementing flash design work into my sites.
I still don't have a sufficient handle on the actual coding yet, but this is what I love about KM. It just lets you get on with the design.

It also makes learning code like AS fun again.
The first language I learnt was Basic (talking Amstrad cpc464 days - I was about 12) and I loved that language because I could just mess with it and study the results.

If I was to offer some advice to the folk designing this stuff (KM 7 and beyond) I would suggest a feature so that new designers who don't mess with the code too much initially can piece stuff together and then still have the code there to look at so they can see how if they were to do the same thing without a graphical interface they'd understand how to code it.
Basically I'm big on trial and error learning and being able to see the code you visually put together would be great..hopefully that made sense to someone.

Right now in KM 6.2, I don't think you can do this.

Oh yeah, I recently saw a presentation on Flash cs4 (I think) and there was a demonstration about object bones (http://tv.adobe.com/#vi+f1556v1685).

Will something like this be possible eventually in Koolmoves?

Thanks and keep up the good work.

[necromanthus]

Oh yeah, I recently saw a presentation on Flash cs4 (I think) and there was a demonstration about object bones (http://tv.adobe.com/#vi+f1556v1685).

Will something like this be possible eventually in Koolmoves?

Here is something much more advanced than 2D bones:
http://necromanthus.com/Games/Flash/3D/monster.html
Those are real 3D bones and that's a realtime vertex animator.
Just wait for KM7 and you'll get many other "tasty" things.
:cap:

[Kel33]

Thats pretty kool.

I like the idea of being able to link objects and then only having to animate 1 object to get a reaction/movement from the other linked parts.
Not sure how I'd use this yet but I'm sure I'll come up with something.
:)

[kmnooby]

Late Oct or sometime in Nov. There are still a lot of loose ends.

So there wouldn't be much point in buying version 6 at this stage would there? Guess I'll stick with version 5 till then.

[Bob Hartzell]

You get free upgrades with a purchase now until at least Nov 2009.

[kmnooby]

You get free upgrades with a purchase now until at least Nov 2009.
I see, thanks. I misinterpreted the update policy where it said updates end with version 7.x, I took it to mean when 7 was released.

[Chris_Seahorn]

A small example of extending the components. Change is coming.

http://krazyaboutpizza.co.uk/index.php?page=241

[w.brants]

A small example I created before with external assets.
Now everything is embedded in the swf and the components are gui created.
The component skins are also selected using the gui.
http://www.waterlijn.info/km/as3/ListDemoBrushed.html

[byweb]

A small example in AS3 and KoolMoves 7 Beta, it is snow effect.
With this effect I made my Christmas PostCard.
http://www.byweb.es/byweb-KM7-Labs/snow1.html

[w.brants]

Another component interaction demo
http://www.waterlijn.info/km/as3/ComponentInteraction2.html

The stage contains two components, a media player and a listbox.
The playlist of the media player was transfered to the listbox since it doesn't have one itself. The listbox was rotated 90 degrees left so the thumbnails had to be rotated 90 degrees right to make them appear fine. An event handler was added to the media player to add the thumbnails when a playlist is set.

[byweb]

It is a Great Idea Wilbert, nice your work. Merry Christmas.

[Chris_Seahorn]

Another component interaction demo
http://www.waterlijn.info/km/as3/ComponentInteraction2.html

The stage contains two components, a media player and a listbox.
The playlist of the media player was transfered to the listbox since it doesn't have one itself. The listbox was rotated 90 degrees left so the thumbnails had to be rotated 90 degrees right to make them appear fine. An event handler was added to the media player to add the thumbnails when a playlist is set.

What amazing things we will be able to do with this new version! It's exciting to know that a large percentage of our users are heading for any and all information they can get about AS3 in anticipation of what is right around the corner for them. Your time spent doing so will not be wasted. As Wilberts component example clearly demonstrates, you will be able to customize things in ways you never dreamed of before.

Remus is going to blow you all away with his Necro3D package. Guys like Gerbick, ghol, Bret, Stoke and many others are already scoping the earth for compatible AS3 libraries, classes and packages. Wilbert , our quintessential component engineer, offers up goodies almost weekly and makes it look easy. Last but not least, Lucky Monkey couldn't have found a more dedicated man than Bob Hartzell. He's humble, unbelievably talented and what he is doing right now is nothing short of amazing in the time frame he has done it in.

[joca_hdj]

Amen!

Chris, could you recommend a good AS3 book please? I just strated to catch up with as1 and as3 is already here.

Thanks!

[Chris_Seahorn]

Lets see...some solid ones are:

ActionScript 3.0 Cookbook
By Joey Lott, Darron Schall, Keith Peters


I own the actual book but would recommend the compiled html Ebook version instead. Reason being it's easier to copy paste snippets and the actual hard copy had tons of typos.


Actionscript 3.0 Bible
By Rojer Braunstein, Mims H Wright, Joshua J. Noble

I've always bought the bibles and always will. Nuff said :)


Learning Actionscript 3.0
by Rich Shupe and Zevon Rosser

While not as comprehensive as the previous two, it has some good stuff. Especially chapters on design patterns. Worth a read for sure.

I preferred Flex instead of CS3 for AS3 when Koolmoves didn't support it yet. As such I have quite a few Flex programming books which also cover a lot of AS3 but Flex books have a lot of code examples and snippets that make heavy use of E4X which we don't support yet so the three I mention above are better suited for straight up AS3 which is perfect for Koolmoves 7 with little to no code modifications needed.

[joca_hdj]

WOW!!!

Great! Thank you so much!!!

[joejac]

Hello everybody,

Merry Christmas and a Prosperous and Happy New Year for all. :)

... Forums, admin panels, comment boxes and more are a few uses that come to mind and many users might want to store the native html in databases and re purpose it after the fact (much like I and many others have done with Flash/Flex blogs, forums and etc) in it's native form pulled into another Flash textfield.

Not trying to shake coconuts here, just mentioning how some components earned their place through popularity and have nothing to do with being a newb or not :)
During these years I had to "assemble" a script to update the content of my web site with xHTML/CSS/PHP/MySQL/FCKeditor with a File Manager and a "big help of my friends," in order to select the images inside the images' directories and subdirectories and insert them inside the content of a text area field of the database, with text, using the FCKeditor and then, to update the site.

As you can understand, a powerful WYSIWYG Editor component integrated with a File Manager/Upload component is vital in any web project, no matter if it is small or big, Flash or no Flash.

And as you can guess I spent years to grasp the surface of KM5, so components, easy to combine and integrate into my projects are a blessing to me.

I doubt I can put my hand on ASx, neither I have the time, so I need professional and fast results, for this reason I love KoolMoves and components.

In my humble opinion a TextArea WYSIWYG Editor integrated with a powerful File Manager/Uploader component will be the diamond that will generate a lot of prestige and purchases of KM7 among non programmers designers.

Best regards
joejac

[Stoke Laurie]

^ Don't worry, you will be able to load and update your files on-line. As you know I have been doing this for years now thanks to components built by Chris and Wilbert.
In my experience, they are very useful to YOU rather than your clients, because you can easily edit their sites for them, rather than letting them do it. - After all you're the expert, and what's more you can charge for updates!

[joejac]

Thanks a lot for your reply Laurie.

Where I can get those components? The links are very welcomed.

Best regards
joejac

[Stoke Laurie]

The current one will be obsolete soon, so if you can hang on till v7 is released I will upgrade it

[Chris_Seahorn]

http://examples.adobe.com/flex2/inproduct/sdk/explorer/explorer.html

Be it an online based one or a desktop based one (download) this type of thing is useful for everything from showing off what KM7 can do (if built with KM) to marketing (people get to play with the knobs big time before purchase).

It's gonna exist someday...one way or another :)

[w.brants]

It's possible to create a sort of tree list with the current list component.
It took a while to figure out but here's an example.
http://www.waterlijn.info/km/as3/TreeList.html

[Phil1615]

I like where you guys are going with this.

[Chris_Seahorn]

I plan on saying something once I stop drooling all over my keyboard :)

As usual Wilbert...that is just too cool!

It's possible to create a sort of tree list with the current list component.
It took a while to figure out but here's an example.
http://www.waterlijn.info/km/as3/TreeList.html

[w.brants]

As usual Wilbert...that is just too cool!
Thanks Chris :)

I converted it into a component now.
Here's an example of how it can be used.var treeData:XML =
<data>
<account name='Mail account 1'>
<folder label='Inbox'/>
<folder label='Personal Folder'>
<folder label='KoolMoves' />
<folder label='KoolExchange' />
<folder label='AS3 related' />
</folder>
<folder label='Sent Items' />
<folder label='Trash' />
</account>
<account name='Mail account 2'>
<folder label='Inbox'/>
<folder label='Personal Folder'>
<folder label='Saved Mail' />
</folder>
<folder label='Sent Items' />
<folder label='Trash' />
</account>
</data>;

function treeLabel(item:Object):String {

// item._name contains the node name

return item._name == 'account' ? item.name : item.label;

}

var tree:Tree = new Tree();
ScriptedSkin.applyTo(tree);
tree.setSize(320, 280);
tree.move(10,10);
addChild(tree);

tree.setDataXML(treeData, false, 0, treeLabel);
tree.expand('label','Mail account 1');
Internally the items are stored in array form; the XML syntax is only used to set the data.
The setDataXML function accepts both a XML object or an URLRequest object.
As you can see, labelling based on field data is possible but works a bit different as you might expect since it doesn't use XML functionality.

Somewhat similar functionality has been added to the List component var listData:XML =
<data>
<item label='Mail account 1' value ='account 1' />
<item label='Mail account 2' value ='account 2' />
<item label='Mail account 3' value ='account 3' />
</data>;

var list:List = new List();
ScriptedSkin.applyTo(list);
list.setSize(140, 100);
list.move(10,10);
addChild(list);

list.setDataXML(listData);

[Chris_Seahorn]

I built a few Flex forum systems and used all kinds of different methods of handling display of threads. A few versions used a tree component which was visually really a perfect fit. As such I have quite a few mysql driven, PHP based backends that create inline XML already in place for me to use to play with your Tree my friend :)

[Chris_Seahorn]

You are brilliant. It took about three minutes to setup this Koolmoves component to tap a MySQL/PHPtoXML backend structured for use with a Flex 3 tree. What a wonderful job you've done.

http://krazyaboutpizza.co.uk/index.php?page=245

[w.brants]

Three minutes is fast Chris :)
I'm glad you like it. You can change the icons it uses if you wish but you might already have noticed that.

[Chris_Seahorn]

Three minutes is fast Chris :)
I'm glad you like it. You can change the icons it uses if you wish but you might already have noticed that.

I sure did notice. I can also pretty much visually decide the icon used based on incoming data (just like it's Flex counterpart) making it a very useful component (to me at least) indeed.

I suppose i'd be pushing my luck to ask when you will be surprising me with an Accordian...or HBox/VBox or HDividedBox/VDividedBox....or TileList....or Grid....or Datagrid...or etc et al :) :) ;)

I only ask because you are single handedly making any future need for Flex almost a moot issue here :)

[Chris_Seahorn]

Spoke too soon on the icons. I would prefer a four slice image to add a different icon for parents without children.

Folder closed (has children)
Folder closed (has no children)
Folder open
Item


http://krazyaboutpizza.co.uk/index.php?page=245

As it stands now, if a parent folder is empty it uses the same icon as Item. Not a big deal but maybe better explained visually (this example posted earlier is updated with your icon code in action using the three slice 13x39 image) so you can see what I mean. Empty parent folders are not items...they are folders. To me, Item icons should only be for items and should only be visible if the item in question is contained in a parent folder (which is open).When users start bringing on their own icons I think the fourth icon would be beneficial. It's not as obvious when viewed using simple plus signs and minus signs but when you start to plug in images (and users can really use any images they like) it really stands out IMO. Any thoughts?

[Chris_Seahorn]

BTW...I would have simply referred to your earlier posted example Wilbert but it has no empty parents.

[w.brants]

I suppose i'd be pushing my luck to ask when you will be surprising me with an Accordian...or HBox/VBox or HDividedBox/VDividedBox....or TileList....or Grid....or Datagrid...or etc et alThe only one from the ones you mentioned I'm considering is an Accordion component.

Spoke too soon on the icons. I would prefer a four slice image to add a different icon for parents without children.
Partially fixed. It's not possible for the component to know an item should be considered an empty folder. You will have to indicate this manually in the XML data you pass by adding an attribute to the empty folder _empty="true" so the component knows it's an empty folder instead of an item.

[Chris_Seahorn]

That would be perfect. It's no problem to send it in as an identifier from the backend. So will it support a fourth icon now?

As for the other components...I was half kidding but feel free to drop my jaw again with an Accordian appearance. I'll get my drool cup ready :)

[w.brants]

Yes, it will support a fourth icon now (see your mailbox).

[Chris_Seahorn]

Just got it Wilbert. I appreciate you listening and adding the icon. I'll go play with it and post a second movie in the blog showing the difference.

[Chris_Seahorn]

Updated example running. Big difference. Haven't had time to find better icon examples but It really does make a difference having the fourth. I check the sql count per category and it was no problem sending in (or the class reading) the identifier. I left the old 3 slice as the lower movie to show the difference. I'll edit the post tonight. Thanks again Wilbert :)

[Chris_Seahorn]

http://krazyaboutpizza.co.uk/index.php?page=246

[thesween]

Awesome job mate! I've always liked the reflection effect!

btw Chris you have exceeded your "stored private messages quota and can not accept further messages until they clear some space." Just tried to msg you.

[Chris_Seahorn]

Added adjustable example using video

@thesween

Cleared. Sorry :(

[w.brants]

feel free to drop my jaw again with an Accordian appearance.
I experimented a bit but it seems to be fairly complicated.
Here are some rough examples.
http://www.waterlijn.info/km/as3/Accordion.html
http://www.waterlijn.info/km/as3/Accordion2.html

[Chris_Seahorn]

Can't really comment until I see what is inside of these. I'm assuming all the major properties and methods of say a Flex one will be supported (like disable individual headers, target headers to open/close via script, etc etc). Will ours also support Horizontal layouts?

Horizontal Accordians are the default in Flex (can't speak for CS3/4) and Vertical ones are almost always a 3rd party custom class (non Adobe) so in reality you've started at the top and these look great from what I see. If we support both Horizontal and Vertical out of the box (all Koolmoves) they could take a lesson or two from you :)

[Chris_Seahorn]

How wonderful this all is. This version is really a milestone. Koolmoves used to be the best kept secret in Flash authoring. I think this release just might let the cat out of the bag :)

It's been a long, long time since I was excited to get home and play with software. I speed and run stop signs daily thanks to this puppy :)

[Phil1615]

It's been a long, long time since I was excited to get home and play with software. I speed and run stop signs daily thanks to this puppy :)


I would be careful if I were you:

http://www.michianaworldwide.com/KM/stop_sign/stopsign.html

[Chris_Seahorn]

Look who's talking. You're just as addicted :)

Pedal to the metal Phil. No time to look back :yikes:

[blanius]

I experimented a bit but it seems to be fairly complicated.
Here are some rough examples.
http://www.waterlijn.info/km/as3/Accordion.html
http://www.waterlijn.info/km/as3/Accordion2.html

Thanks Wilbert, I found this to be the case, I didn't get far after our conversation about building an accordion menu myself.

[Chris_Seahorn]

http://krazyaboutpizza.co.uk/index.php?page=247

Accordian targeting headers to open/close via script. I'm just messing around with functions to send into and out of the Accordian in conjunction with this type of thing so if you say choose a listitem in one panel it can open the content in another panel which is text based (for example uses). Or choose something in panel A....POST to server....get response and populate panel B scenarios.

Notice how we can combine GUI created text effects with "scripted in" panel content. The wonders of reparenting.

[Stoke Laurie]

http://www.site-in-a-box.co.uk/wilbert.jpg

[blanius]

Ok apparently I need docs to figure out how to use this accordion

Also when is Necro gonna have some docs on his 3d class?

[Stoke Laurie]

^ Press the colored buttons as they appear on your screen!!!!!!:)

[Chris_Seahorn]

Hahahaha....that pic is perfect!

[Chris_Seahorn]

@Bret

I'm pretty sure Wilbert commented the class to show it being instantiated. Check the Accordian class file :)

[blanius]

All I see is

import km.components.~~;

var acc:Accordion = new Accordion();

Example would be nice.

[Chris_Seahorn]

var acc:Accordion = new Accordion();

acc.panelPlacement = 'left';
acc.operationMode = 1;
acc.sizeToContent = true;

acc.setSize(400,320);
acc.move(40,40);

var s1:Shape = new Shape();
var s2:Shape = new Shape();
var s3:Shape = new Shape();
var s4:Shape = new Shape();

s1.graphics.beginFill(0xff0000);
s1.graphics.drawCircle(50,50,30);
s2.graphics.beginFill(0x00ff00);
s2.graphics.drawCircle(50,50,60);
s3.graphics.beginFill(0x0000ff);
s3.graphics.drawCircle(20,20,20);
s4.graphics.beginFill(0xffff00);
s4.graphics.drawCircle(80,80,20);

var p1:AccordionPanel = new AccordionPanel();
p1.header.label.valign = 'bottom';

acc.addPanel(p1,'caption 1', s1);
var p2:AccordionPanel = acc.addPanel(p1.clone(),'caption 2', s2);
var p3:AccordionPanel = acc.addPanel(p1.clone(),'caption 3', s3);
var p4:AccordionPanel = acc.addPanel(p1.clone(),'caption 4', s4);

p1.duotone = [0x600000,0xffe0e0];
p2.duotone = [0x006000,0xe0ffe0];
p3.duotone = [0x000060,0xe0e0ff];
p4.duotone = [0x606000,0xffffe0];

addChild(acc);

[blanius]

weird that I cannot get this to work....

Cannot create property sizeToContent on km.components.Accordion.
at doc_fun::MainTimeline/frame1()

[w.brants]

@Stoke, nice picture :D

@Bret & Chris, the Accordion from the beta wasn't finished yet.
I updated the example I posted before so you can see the supported options
http://www.waterlijn.info/km/as3/Accordion2.html

[Stoke Laurie]

That example is really majic Wilbert, truley first class work.

[w.brants]

Thanks Laurence.
Here's a little modified example with a bit different look
http://www.waterlijn.info/km/as3/Accordion2a.html

[Stoke Laurie]

Thats great, could you please help me with a bit of example code that would allow me to do what you did in the 1st panel, include a content-pane. Thanks.

[Chris_Seahorn]

The bar differences and the embedded icon make the "2a" a version I would like to peek at :)

[w.brants]

@Laurence & Chris,
What I did was not that complicated.

For the contentpane, I placed one on stage using the gui and also set content using the gui. When I added the panel it should be in to the accordion, I passed the contentpane for contentmyAccordion.addPanel(panel1,'', contentpane1);Since AS3 supports reparenting, it is automatically removed from where it was before it is added to the panel. You have to move the contentpane to (0,0) if you want it to be in the top left of the panel. You can use the setSize function of the contentpane to make it fit the panel.

The panel headers and backgrounds where skinned using the setSkin function and the icon was assigned like thispanel1.header.label.icon = new home_icon_png(0,0);Where home_icon_png is the class name I assigned to the icon when I added it to the symbol library.
The shading behind the header texts was done by adding a filter to each header label.panel1.header.label.filters = [new DropShadowFilter(2,45,0,.5,2,2,2)];

[Chris_Seahorn]

Thanks for the breakdown Wilbert. You've done a wonderful job!

[Stoke Laurie]

Yep, that works a treat, I substituted the contentpane for a mediaplayer, and it simply slotted in. Excellent:)

[Chris_Seahorn]

I want to show an Accordian populated with live data and reacting to the content it's populated with. The commenting panel and media panels are still being worked out and commenting will eventually work just like it does in the main blog.

http://krazyaboutpizza.co.uk/index.php?page=248

This one uses duotone but also highlights the open panel in a distinct color.

[w.brants]

Nice work Chris.
The RTE integrates very well with the Accordion.
Since you added some glow to the header labels that makes them appear a bit bigger, you might consider setting a bigger headerSize for the panels.
I was also wondering if you did use the new setDataXML function to populate the List or are doing things manually.

[Chris_Seahorn]

Will do on the header size.

I'm using the same backends that the blog uses which create inline XML suited for Flex/E4X so to save time (and a rewrite) I'm busting the XML in KM manually (to share the same backend) and using setItemArray.

[Stoke Laurie]

Ohhh damn cool Chris, I see some very exciting things on the horizon.
By the way, you can meet the misses here (http://www.site-in-a-box.co.uk/misses.html) (sorry Necro, I just played with the jpg)

[w.brants]

A few drag containers
http://www.waterlijn.info/km/as3/DragContainers.html

[Chris_Seahorn]

2nd Accordian added with dynamic backgrounds.

http://krazyaboutpizza.co.uk/index.php?page=248

[byweb]

:cap: Great work Chris.
I created in KoolMoves 7.0 a reflection of the real-time FLV with AS3. Can yours see it here (http://www.byweb.es/KM7Labs/FLVReflecction/)

[Chris_Seahorn]

Outstanding! That looks great :thumbsup:

[Chris_Seahorn]

NumericStepper

[w.brants]

Thanks for the suggestion Chris. :)

[Chris_Seahorn]

Three hours after mentioning the numericstepper, Wilbert once again demonstrates that nothing is beyond his ability. Just incredible!

http://krazyaboutpizza.co.uk/index.php?page=250

[w.brants]

That's not entirely true Chris.

I pointed out to you it took me about that much time to create since it's not a very complicated type of component (it also was convenient I could reuse the button icons from other components) but I didn't create it immediately after you mentioned it.
Anyway, I hope it worked as expected.

[Chris_Seahorn]

You are way too humble :)

Yes, it exceeds my expectations. Thank you Wilbert!

[Chris_Seahorn]

TweenMax 10.06 working flawlessly now in the beta. Thanks Bob :)

The 10.06 update is a major improvement. Interested Beta testers should see Greensock (http://blog.greensock.com/tweenmaxas3/) for details on the new abilities.

[blanius]

Tweenmax working is great.

[Bob Hartzell]

That is a relief.

[byweb]

I download Tweenmax, but I understand that folder into KoolMoves Beta include it.

[Chris_Seahorn]

I'm not sure your question is clear byweb. Can you rephrase it?

[w.brants]

I've been playing a bit with the BitmapData.paletteMap function. I hadn't paid a lot of attention to it before but it's very useful for some things.
Here's a simple posterize effect that also uses the NumericStepper component
http://www.waterlijn.info/km/as3/Posterize.html

[Bob Hartzell]

I download Tweenmax, but I understand that folder into KoolMoves Beta include it.

You can put it where ever you want. Use File > Action Script Classes > Root Paths for Classes to tell KoolMoves where to look for the gs folder.

You can also put it in Bin / AS3 / Classes.

[blanius]

You can put it where ever you want. Use File > Action Script Classes > Root Paths for Classes to tell KoolMoves where to look for the gs folder.

You can also put it in Bin / AS3 / Classes.

I reccomend the second approach, What I've been doing is making sub folders for each group of classes. Easier to keep track if they are all in one place.

[byweb]

Thanks, for your response. I put it in the first time in Bin / AS3 / Classes, but I don´t happen if it was correct. Thanks everybody.

[Chris_Seahorn]

http://krazyaboutpizza.co.uk/index.php?page=253

[Chris_Seahorn]

http://krazyaboutpizza.co.uk/index.php?page=253

Submitted

[byweb]

It is a great idea Chris, I was thinking the same but in Spanish, to support KoolMoves in the Spanish speaking community, I am working on it. Chris I visit often. Thanks

[Chris_Seahorn]

Thanks byweb. I just started it today. The way I see it....KM is all I've talked about for the last few months and pretty much the only program I use (basically I'm only using Flex at the moment to play with Papervision and test differences between AS3 classes in Flex/KM) so I might as well dive in head first and focus on what is exciting to me. Besides...the world won't miss another Flex resource :)

Stoke is gracious enough to host all my nutty ideas so he deserves MY thanks. Thanks you old bloke :)

[byweb]

I never understood very well Flex I do not know which is useful in creating web is not very dynamic in design, everything you do is the same, no room for the imagination, however KoolMoves if you can do what you want in design issues and create beautiful web in flash. That´s the diference.

[Stoke Laurie]

Stoke is gracious enough to host all my nutty ideas so he deserves MY thanks. Thanks you old bloke :)
:shhh: They think I'm about 18!

[Chris_Seahorn]

...this $50 dollar program proves to me each build that I haven't seen anything yet :)

http://krazyaboutpizza.co.uk/?p=90

[Chris_Seahorn]

An example of the new SimpleTable class from the tag team duo of Bob Hartzell and Wilbert Brants in action.

http://www.km-codex.com/?p=435

This one should be arriving soon to a Koolmoves release near you :)

[Chris_Seahorn]

E4X would greatly simplify this....... :confused:

http://www.km-codex.com/?p=457


...

[Bob Hartzell]

I have started working on E4X.

[Chris_Seahorn]

That is fantastic news!

[Chris_Seahorn]

I ended up working around the lack of it for now. Last night before I had finalized the workaround, the Blip Bandit would return 1 video hit on a search for the word "jet" and 2 video hits for the words "madonna" and "beyonce" (just for examples during the tests). Now it acts as expected with the return lists being fully populated as they should be.

http://www.km-codex.com/?p=457

As a sidenote and a testament to the power of E4X, what took me 13 lines of code in the current version (using namespaces and string manipulation) to dig out some of the content I needed, E4X would allow me to do the same with two lines (or even one) of code.

[byweb]

What''s E4X ?

[Chris_Seahorn]

Standard:

http://www.ecma-international.org/publications/standards/Ecma-357.htm

Examples:

Search Google for terms like "E4X and AS3" or similar.

[Chris_Seahorn]

Bob wasted no time setting to work utilizing the AS3 intrinsic classes provided with the new release of SWF Studio (http://www.northcode.com). Previously Koolmoves/AS3 users were unable to create desktop apps with SWFS if exported as AS3 and could only utilize AS1 core movies with SWf Studio. Those days are coming to an end :)

His latest beta just dropped my jaw (as usual).

http://www.km-codex.com/?p=524

Now some of you may be wondering what is the big deal?

SWF Studio is the only swf wrapper that allows you to pack assets (images, files, swf's, etc) in the application itself....encrypt them (448 blowfish) AND utilize them right from inside the EXE. They never hit the hard drive even for a millisecond! Air doesn't do that, Zinc doesn't do that, mProjector doesn't do that nor any other wrapper on earth besides SWFS. If you need to create commercial desktop apps and need to protect your assets (like your koolmoves core) I defy you to find a better wrapper than SWFS. In conjunction with Koolmoves 7, you will have one seriously powerful combo and you cant believe the SWFS command set until you read through it.

[w.brants]

With KM 7.2 being released shortly, here are a few examples taking advantage of the Flash 10 export it has. All three examples require Flash Player 10.

http://www.waterlijn.info/km/as3/FilterExample.html
Showing the new AudioVisualizer component on top and a video below that with a ReflectionFilter applied to it.

http://www.waterlijn.info/km/as3/DitherExample.html
Showing the HalftoneFilter applied to a video.

http://www.waterlijn.info/km/as3/MP3Player.html
Not a KM skin but a custom created MP3 player.
It uses the new Flash 10 sound capabilities to create a sound filter so you can set low, mid and high tones and enhance stereo.

[Chris_Seahorn]

Those examples are really cool Wilbert! This platform is just a never ending source of enjoyment. Bob is doing an amazing job and your diligence in the forum and creating componentry really has transformed what began as a simple tool into a powerhouse flash authoring system.

[w.brants]

Thanks Chris :)
One of the things I really like about Flash Player 10 is the ability to use Pixel Bender kernels. It's another language to learn if you want to create them yourself but they are great for graphical effects.

[etuom]

Showing the new AudioVisualizer component on top and a video below that with a ReflectionFilter applied to it.


Wilbert,
Is there a Reflection Filter included in 7.2? or just the Av component?

(praying hard for a KM ReflectionFilter)

[blanius]

it is one of several Flash 10 filters included for any display object

[etuom]

Just curious here...

will the Flash 10 stuff be accesible through the GUI properties panel? Or is it via ActionScripting? Or both depending on the feature?

Or... is it too soon to know? It's beginning to feel a lot like Christmas around here!

[w.brants]

You won't find much documentation on the web about these filters. They are not intrinsic Flash Player classes.
Flash 10 allows to create custom filters. These classes are filters that were developed for and come with KoolMoves but they can be used like most other filters.
For more information, see http://www.koolexchange.com/docs/km/km/filters/package-detail.html

Bob added GUI support for them.

Edit : Custom filters are unaware of the size of the object the filter is applied to. For this reason it is required for example to set the line where the reflection should start by yourself. But settings like this are supported by the GUI implementation also.

[etuom]

Is it exciting in here ... or is it just me?:)

[blanius]

It's not you :)