Flash Speaks Actionscript

FlashDevelop is a .NET open source script editor designed mostly for Actionscript 2/3 development. FlashDevelop can be used as an external editor for the Flash IDE or as a complete open source development environment.

FlashDevelop is a very nice option for those looking for a quality/free ActionScript editor.  Also, if you’re still writing in ActionScript 2.0 and looking to convert over to ActionScript 3.0, this is a great tool that’ll get you used to constructing and using classes.

Features to be expected of Flash Develop are:

FlashDevelop has a nice docking interface.

FlashDevelop has built-in support for many workflows.

The Outline panel gives you an overview of your code.

FlashDevelop's code completion works with your and others classes.

The Tasks panel help you track your project state.

Additional Resources:

• Download FlashDevelop
• Complete breakdown of FlashDevelop’s Features
• FlashDevelop’s Documentation
• Latest news relating to FlashDevelop

FDT 3 is a plug-in which boosts the already mighty open-source platform Eclipse and turns it into a powerful development environment for serious Flash and ActionScript coding.  This fantastic tool is built and maintained by the guys over at PowerFlasher.

Along with an impressive list of features, these features give you the opportunity of gaining a big boost in your programming efficiency as your work flow is improved.

If you are serious in working with ActionScript 3.0 or plan to work with a team of other programmers, then FDT is the one to get.  Unlike other ActionScript editors, this one is not free, but it is well worth it.

FDT comes in three versions: Basic, Professional, and Enterprise.  While all version pack a punch, check out the chart below to find out the key differences between the three.

Product Comparisons

The one major downfall of FDT 3 is how complicated the installation process is from other ActionScript editors.  The good news, however, is that the developers behind the project are currently working on a standalone version that will require minimal steps to install.

Download a trial version