16.6 Productivity

	ActionScript for Flash MX: The Definitive Guide, 2nd Edition By Colin Moock
	Chapter 16.  ActionScript Authoring Environment

Here are some tips to streamline ActionScript source code authoring:

• Keep all timeline scripts on an independent layer called scripts. Do not place any content on the scripts layer; use it exclusively for code. Store this layer at the top of your timeline panel so that its code executes after all other layers have loaded (or at the bottom if you set your Load Order to Top Down). Keeping the scripts layer in the same place makes your code easy to find. (We saw in the previous section how valuable that can be!)

• Keep all frame labels on an independent layer called labels. Do not place any content on the labels layer; use it exclusively for frame labels.

• Take a look under the pop-up Options menu button in the top-right corner of the Actions panel. You'll find handy tools such as search and replace, source code printing, and Script pane font control.

• When working with code libraries used on multiple projects, save code in external files. See Section 16.7 for details.

• To save typing, use the shortcut keys provided for Actions; for example, use Esc+G+P for gotoAndPlay( ). Shortcut sequences are listed under the plus (+) button in the Actions panel.

• Notice that the Toolbox is resizable. To save space while coding, you can hide the Toolbox, partially or completely, by dragging the border between the Toolbox and the Script pane.

• For a brief reference description of any item in the Toolbox, select the item, and then click the Reference (book) icon in the top right corner of the Actions panel.