[Retroh]

Hi,
I had previously posted a thread with a question about playing an animation on the 'over' state of a button once only, then recognising the end frame of that animation - which necessitated some (to me) complex 'boolean' coding - which I haven't been able to implement... (as I don't comprehend how to assign a variable to a number of frames that contain an animation) However, now I have simplified the issue by placing the button movieclip on the last frame of an imported movieclip - so it will only appear after the animation has finished...
Regrettably, now I find that this button is not responding to some simple code... and as I have checked the script for errors, I'm once again at a loss as to what I'm doing incorrectly...

Here's the script:

Actionscript:

stop();
LogoButtMov_mc.LogoButton_btn.onRelease = function() {
	loadMovieNum("RipeLogoPage.swf", 0);
}

The LogoButtMov_mc is placed on the main stage, and within it, is the instance of the button I want to target (LogoButton_btn) - so it all looks OK as I've double-checked all the instance names...

As the format of the project is now much simplified, I was hoping that this simple format - as in B follows A - where the button instance is not allowed to appear before the animation is complete - would allow me to target that button instance more directly, without having to use complex if/else or boolean coding... but am I incorrect?

I've uploaded the file with the upper left button (the 'logo' button) as the coded example, with the swf's to load into the stage (level 0) - so I hope this sheds some light on the problem...

Thx in advance...

[saumya]

The problem is your script tries to find out the button at the instance it plays.But could not get the button, which is inside the movieclip and in the last frame.So the script is not working.
answer: either make your button available to the script in the beginning or put your code, where it gets the button .

[Retroh]

Hi Saumya,
if I knew how to correctly address the button, or where to place the code, I wouldn't be asking the question... in other words, why doesn't it 'see' the button?
:P
To the best of my (current) knowledge, the path to the button seems to be correct... so why isn't it working?
As much as I appreciate your reply, it really doesn't help me...
thx,
Rohan

[saumya]

why doesn't it 'see' the button?

:P

To the best of my (current) knowledge, the path to the button seems to be correct... so why isn't it working?

Because it can not find a thing to see

The path is correct, but there is nothing in the path untill it reaches the last frame.Thats why it can not see it.Thats the way flash handles it.
Let me give oyu an example:
Some body told you, where to find saumya and asks to deliver something to him. Now you know the complete address of mine.So you come to my home and happily sit in my living room (all ways welcome) But can you see me? Unless I come out from my study room to living room, you can not see me, even if you are inside my home. (lets play hide and seek ). At that moment if you deliver the thing, nobody is there to receive it and that may create unnecessary doubts about the thing on my part later, if I saw something is there in my living room.Unless I come out to see you on my living room, you can not perfectly deliver things to me !!
Same is true for your case.
Now, try too see whether you are in the last frame of the clip.If yes then you know, you can see the button.So deliver the script to the button at that instance

[Retroh]

Hi Saumya,
OK, so what I think I'm getting from you is that I can't target an embedded button instance (in a movieclip on the main timeline) from a frame on the main timeline? Isn't that defeating the 'best practice' of placing all actions on a single frame that's easily accessible?
And, I still don't really understand why, even tho' the path is OK, the script can't 'see' that button instance... after all I just need the script to recognise the button, not 'deliver' anything to it - as you put it... merely to respond to an onRelease action when required...
Can you clarify the distinction, or provide correct code that will accurately do what I want it to do if placed on the main timeline?
Thx,
Rohan

[saumya]

And, I still don't really understand why, even tho' the path is OK, the script can't 'see' that button instance... after all I just need the script to recognise the button, not 'deliver' anything to it - as you put it... merely to respond to an onRelease action when required...

This is because you do not want to understand the question itself.I have already explained the solution in detail.I know you can do it, just be cool and concentrate.

 Isn't that defeating the 'best practice' of placing all actions on a single frame that's easily accessible?

No.not defeating, if you know really how to put your code in main timeline and still able to see the button on last frame.I have given you the hint as

try too see whether you are in the last frame of the clip.If yes then you know, you can see the button.So deliver the script to the button at that instance

now try to put these things into code.

[houc0015]

Originally Posted by Retroh

Hi Saumya, 

OK, so what I think I'm getting from you is that I can't target an embedded button instance (in a movieclip on the main timeline) from a frame on the main timeline?

That is correct.

Isn't that defeating the 'best practice' of placing all actions on a single frame that's easily accessible?

Yes it is, but without more complicated programing, there's no other way in many cases.

And, I still don't really understand why, even tho' the path is OK, the script can't 'see' that button instance...

Flash handles objects on the stage and frame scripts in this order:
1) initialize MCs on the stage
2) run frame scripts
3) initialize "child" MCs of those on the stage
4) run the frame scripts of the MC on the stage
and so on...

Basically, it's works from the outside in, starting on the main timeline and "diggin" it's way through all the nested elements, one layer at a time. So if you're trying to use a frame script to define a variable in a nested MC instance that was just created on that frame, the child MCs are not initialized and properties, variables, and functions cannot be set.

If your MC starts on frame 1 and the frame script is placed on frame 2, it WOULD work because all of the layers are initialized by the time the script runs.

Can you clarify the distinction, or provide correct code that will accurately do what I want it to do if placed on the main timeline?

Check your PMs.

Sorry you didn't find help sooner.

[Retroh]

Please don't tell me what I'm trying to understand or otherwise... I find that rude and unnecessary. I'm trying my level best to comprehend what would appear to be a simple 'target path' issue... but which is obviously somewhat more involved. If Flash were more intuitive, why would there be HUNDREDS of posts to these forums to work out seemingly basic procedures?
I DO have books which explain actionscript and target paths and scope, (they have cost me hundreds) and yes I DO read them, but when I am confused by something I expect to get a CLEAR answer by those more experienced than me... not 'half' answers or 'hints' - insinuating that I'm not putting in the effort... I've been trying attempting to get my site up and to make it look professional for MONTHS... is that an indication of a defeatist attitude?
YOU may have an aptitude for programming/abstract mathematical concepts, but I do not... however I probably wouldn't come to you to do the copywriting for my client... whereas I DO have an aptitude for that... get it?
And yes, I did work out to how to place the action on a frame within the movieclip - I was simply requesting clarification on a general concept... as if someone doesn't know why something is the way it is, no progress can be made...
In fact, please do not assist me any longer... your arrogance is pissing me off bigtime... if you're going to help people with their actionscript problems, try to do it with some grace...
Apologies to those who might be ofended...
Rohan

[saumya]

Please don't tell me what I'm trying to understand or otherwise...

Look at your self before saying

if you're going to help people with their actionscript problems, try to do it with some grace...

Are you asking for help or want people to get your work done?
People here are to study and be updated all the time by helping each other.Do not expect somebody to do your work.

You are neither listening to me nor following any instructions to get updated.Rather complaining.

I was simply requesting clarification on a general concept... as if someone doesn't know why something is the way it is, no progress can be made

Things are the way it is because they are the way it is. We have to go by the way they are.Not expect them to behave in the way we are expecting.

So either be in it or leave it. Buttom line is if you want help, we are here to help or else do not just ask people about your way of wokring and its outcomes.

Everyone here is busy in his/her works, its not you only who is worried about his own work.

I will be closing this thread as this is leading to nowhere now.If somebody has got similar problems then we can open it again or post in a separate post.

[Retroh]

I asked simple, direct questions, you gave me 'hints' and expected me to work things out from there... listen 'mate', if I could work things out for myself, I wouldn't need to be on here requesting assistance... or wasting your time - and yes, I understand every1's time is valuable - thatz Y I always ask direct, unambiguous questions... you on the other hand expect me (after hours of effort on my own) to somehow play a game of seek and thou shall surely find... and THAT is a bigger waste of time...
I am ALWAYS appreciative and grateful of help - but you seem to be accusing me of wanting others to do my work for me... which is simply untrue... if I am stuck, well I'm stuck... and not ashamed to say so...
I have placed the actionscript on a frame of the movieclips timeline, instead of the main timeline, because this is what you seem to be suggesting - but I'm STILL not sure if I could place the code on the main timeline... so you haven't really assisted me at all...
I think your attitude is self-centred and arrogant... so thanks for nothing...

R

[saumya]

if I knew how to correctly address the button, or where to place the code, I wouldn't be asking the question... in other words, why doesn't it 'see' the button?

I have placed the actionscript on a frame of the movieclips timeline, instead of the main timeline, because this is what you seem to be suggesting

1. do not you think both of your sayings are contradicting.
2. You got it wrong in the first place itself by assuming that I am saying to put the code in side the movieclip.I said

answer: either make your button available to the script in the beginning or put your code, where it gets the button

The implementation is upto you.How you implement it depends upon personal choice. So you thoought it has to go inside Movieclip and that sthe only way. But thats not true. Be open to suggestions and stop thinking that you know what people are thinking.

Be open to learn.You think you know everything !!

I DO have books which explain actionscript and target paths and scope, (they have cost me hundreds) and yes I DO read them,

So no point asking. If you ask then follow it, do not understand then ask.But just do not go round with your own beliefs about things to work your way.
Anyway, if we go on this way, it will lead nowhere.
this is second time I am saying that the thread is going side tracked,if want to learn it, learn it and ask things which are necessary in the thread or I will be closing it the next time I see something not necessary.

Either Flash or nothing.

[Retroh]

"answer: either make your button available to the script in the beginning or put your code, where it gets the button"

Mate, I need to take Actionscript lessons - you need to take English lessons... because that statement means NOTHING to me - itz as ambiguous as anything else you've said... it just begs the question "How?" If I knew how, I surely would have done it by now, right?
And, I don't need to be taught how to think, or be given lessons in psychology... that is just outrageous!
If ANY other Moderator can assist me, I'd be grateful... but listen Saumya, you need to simply answer a question properly and directly... instead of giving me lessons on they way things are according to you...
If Flash was more user-friendly, and the geeks who wrote the code in the first place had the user properly in mind - then 'ordinary' people like myself wouldn't need to be wasting your time...
So, please allow another Moderator to help me, and thanks for your 'assistance' up to now...
:P

[saumya]

but listen Saumya, you need to simply answer a question properly and directly... instead of giving me lessons on they way things are according to you...

You do not want to think. And I am not at all talking about my views.try to respect people, learn some basic manners regarding how to talk and ask for help.

provide correct code that will accurately do what I want it to do if placed on the main timeline?

what do you mean by that.To learn or to get your work done ??

Isn't that defeating the 'best practice' of placing all actions on a single frame that's easily accessible?

You have started about Best Practices without knowing about it.

Donot give lessons to people, behave the way, you expect from others.

No problem, you do not want to be helped.

Thread closed.