Flash is an application that facilitates adding multimedia
effects to webpages. Because Flash
was designed specifically for the web, the file sizes created by Flash are
relatively small. That allows web
designers to add animations and interactions to webpages in the same number of
bytes as a good photograph.
Flash is primarily used for its entertainment value.
If used inappropriately, it can turn off, rather than engage your
audience. Flash is therefore not
appropriate for all web sites.
Flash is most often used to create animations or movies.
However Flash can also be used for rollover effects like those that can
be accomplished using JavaScript.
Flash is based upon vector graphics rather than raster
graphics. GIF and JPG/JPEG files are
based on raster graphics. In raster
graphic files, each pixel is defined with a color intensity.
If you zoom in on a raster graphic, each pixel can be enlarged to the
point that it looks like squares. Curved
lines will eventually look jagged. In vector graphics files, geometric equations are used to
define an image. As you zoom in on
a vector graphic, the outlines will continue to be smooth.
Raster graphics are better for photographs.
Vector graphics are great for images that consist of lines and shapes.
Flash can also incorporate raster images.
Flash has undergone many drastic changes and revisions since this tutorial was originally created. This section will be updated at a later date.
|
|