Macromedia Flash Mx Professional 2004: Application Development/Training from the Source

**** The "Macromedia Flash MX Professional 2004: Application Development/Training from the Source" offers a comprehensive guide geared primarily towards individuals eager to delve into Flash application development. While the book is well-regarded for its instructional quality and accessibility, it inherently best suits those who are starting their journey in Flash, particularly if they possess a background in middleware programming languages such as ColdFusion, ASP, or PHP. Readers seeking advanced techniques may feel misled by the book's title, as it heavily emphasizes foundational concepts such as variables, loops, and classes for the first several chapters. This approach can frustrate those already familiar with Object-Oriented Programming (OOP) principles, who may prefer to skip ahead. It’s important to note that the text doesn’t cover PHP interactions, focusing instead on ColdFusion and Java examples, which may disappoint some potential users. The book is complemented by a DVD containing solutions and additional materials that enhance the learning experience. However, issues have arisen following updates to Flash MX—specifically, some code examples have become outdated after newer versions of the software were released. While the text provides good introductory content, readers are advised to stay current on changes in the Flash software, as discrepancies with the book's content may hinder progress. Despite its drawbacks, many appreciate Jeanette Stallons' ability to present complex topics in an understandable and relatable manner, making it a valuable resource for beginners. The book's comprehensive coverage of beginner topics equips readers with necessary techniques for developing Rich Internet Applications (RIAs) in Flash MX 2004. **