Actionscript
- What is the technology?
Actionscript is a scripting language used for the development of websites and software using the Adobe Flash player platform (in the form of SWF files embedded into Web pages). Flash Player 5 is the first one to use actionscript. It's also used in some database applications. ActioScript is used to create almost all of the interactivity(buttons,text entry fields, drop down menus) seen in many Flash applications. Examples can be seen here teacherlink.com
- Who Developed it? When? Why?
Actionscript was first developed in 1998. Designed by Gary Grossman. Originally developed by Macromedia who is now owned by Adobe Systems as of 2005.Initially actionscript was designed for controlling simple 2D vector animations made in Adobe Flash. Later versions added functionality allowing for the creation of web-based games and rich internet applications with streaming media. Such as video and audio.
- What groups were/are responsible for managing it?
As stated above, Macromedia was the first to have actionscript and so were respnsible for managing it. In 2005 Adobe Systems bought Macromedia and became responsible for the scripting language. And still is.
- Explain its growth or diminshment
ActionScript started as a scripting language for Macromedia's Flash authoring tool, now developed by Adobe Systems as Adobe Flash. From 2000-2003 there was ActionScript "1.0". 2003-2006 ActionScript "2.0" and 2006-today there is ActionScript "3.0" The update to the language introduced several new features: Compile-time and run-time type checking, support for packages, namespaces, and regular expressions, compiles to an entirely new type of bytecode. Revised Flash Player API, organized into packages. Direct access to the Flash runtime display list for complete control of what gets displayed at runtime. Flash Player has also progessed over the past years. From Flash Player 2 to now, which is Flash Player 10.
- What are related technologies?
The related language technologies are JavaScript, Java, and ECMA-262.
- Are there certifications for its use? If so, Where and how can one aquire them?
There are certification programs for Adobe. Several in fact. Adobe Certified Associate and the Adobe Certified Expert which can be an added credential to your resume.Good for instructors and professionals. There is also curriculum certification for Adobe Flash Professional CS5. The Adobe Flash CS4 is also still available. I have included links here for you to check out if you're interested in Rich Media Communication using Adobe Flash. Or interested in getting adobe certified.
- Predict the future for the technology
We have seen in the last ten years how this technology grows and changes. Every other year or so new Adobe software is released and we find ourselves having to learn all over again. (Along with the different languages and codes). On the plus side of this, Adobe is good about offering ways to learn and to teach about the new software they release. As well as programs to buy the software needed at a reduced price. "Thank you Adobe". My prediction is that this trend will definately continue through the years. Technology as a whole is progressing at a speeds that are hard to keep up with.