What is Flash and How Does it Work?

Ever go to a web site that looked extremelyweb sites are often more exciting and more interesting
professional and hi-tech? Did icons move, animate, andto visit than HTML web sites.
make sounds when clicked? Ever see one of thoseMacromedia Flash can do some very amazing things.
funny online cartoons? If you have, then you have hadAs a result, many may have the perception that Flash
the privilege of seeing flash animation in action.has extremely complicated inner-workings that only the
Macromedia Flash, or more simply, "Flash," is abest and brightest in civilization could ever understand
software product that is used to design and deliverand subsequently master. This way of thinking could
presentations, animations, and web sites. Flash hasnot be further from the truth. Flash web sites,
helped web designers around the world create visuallyanimations, etc. are all created utilizing a programming
appealing web sites that come alive when accessed.language called ActionScript. Like almost any
Furthermore, much of the greatest online political satireprogramming language, ActionScript can be
today has been made using Flash technology.complicated to learn at first. However, with a little
Macromedia Flash has changed the web and alloweddetermination, almost anyone can master the
designers to create sites they were previously unablemechanics of ActionScript and start to make beautiful
to make with simple HTML code.Flash-supported movies and web sites. It is interesting
Currently, Flash players can be found in over 90% ofto note that many programmers cite many similarities
computers around the world. Many huge, globalbetween ActionScript and Java. Flash files are saved
companies make use of flash on their home pages.with a .swf extension. SWF stands for Small Web File.
Some of these web sites are enhanced by the uniqueSome users of ActionScript have complained about
ability Flash has to stream audio while animating andthe secrecy of their source code because the .swf file
responding to action. The software product supportsformat can be decompiled rather easily. ActionScript
vectors, raster graphics, and ActionScript, which makewas first utilized on Flash Player 2. Naturally, as
it highly versatile in use. With the correct knowledge,technology had progressed, the code has become
creating a movie or web site with Flash is consideredmore advanced and can now accomplish more tasks.
to be fairly simple. Many Flash users maintain thatMacromedia Flash has been around since 1997 and
Flash web sites are substantially superior to web siteshas changed the face of the web community. Deciding
backed by old-fashioned HTML code. Additionally,to utilize Flash in your site is the first step to making a
people simply browsing the web maintain that Flashwonderful web site that will impress almost anyone.