Month: July 2006

Learning ActionScript

Pranav Negandhi

When I first jumped into programming in ActionScript about a year ago, I was carrying a lot of baggage with me from 6 years of Director/Lingo development. I was expecting more than just a change in syntax – this was going to be a paradigm shift for me! From coding in a language that comes close to writing a sentence, to something that resembled a real programming language. Heck, it even had {}’s.

Thing’s didn’t go as smoothly as I had expected though. This was nothing like what I had expected or was used to. Code in separate text files? What in heavens name are classpaths? And why does this language have an overdose of ;’s? Being on a tight schedule didn’t help much. I threw in the towel, hacked together something using old school techniques, and just about threw out Flash from my arsenal.

But an opportunity presented itself to give a second shot at Flash. NPAPL contracted their website redesign to Fractal Ink and an important aspect of the project was their portfolio. Since they wanted a lot of glitz into the presentation, this task would generally have been assigned to the designers. But due to the immense volume of data involved (100+ projects), I figured that a data-driven solution would make more sense than having the design team churn out a multi-megabyte, timeline driven file.

So I got to work digging up tutorials on component development, database access and XML parsing. Since the site was being hosted on a Windows server meant that my PHP skills would be of limited help (we ended up using static XML files instead). But the Flash code was pristine. I had finally broken through the glass ceiling.

I don’t remember the instant at which the change came through. But even today as I look upon the code, it looks nice. Simple, easy, readable. It took less than a few seconds to understand how it all fits together. What I remember thinking at that time was “How will I do this in Director”. By abstracting my thoughts out of the unfamiliar syntax of ActionScript, I was able to work my way around the requirements and atleast devise a solution. What remained was a very simple translation exercise, which got underway with ease.

I’ve moved on a lot since then today. I’m not a Flash guru or anything. But then I’d rather not be stuck working in a single environment day-in day-out. The new world of the interweb is rich in technologies, and I’m going to taste them all.

Birds Banned in Mumbai

Pranav Negandhi

In an unprecedented move, that could have far reaching consequences on the country’s ornithological populace, the Balasaheb Thackarey led Shiv Sena has officially banned birds from entering the country’s financial capital, Mumbai. Shiv Sena spokespersons say it is an unfortunate step, but is required in order to maintain the dignity of statues and busts scattered throughout the city. Earlier, birds would use these statues as resting points, and defecate upon them. Post this ban, statues will finally be able to heave a sigh of relief for not being mistreated in such a manner. Shiv Sena leader Udhav Thackarey says, “Imagine how you would feel if a bird came and shat upon your brand new outfit? Such is the condition of statues in the city many of which are being subjected to such rude treatment within hours of dedication.”

When asked how the ban will be implemented given the communication barriers between humans and their feathered friends, several creative ideas have been put forth by party members –

  1. Installation of a fine wire net over the entire city with entrance/exit points for non-feathered creatures
  2. Satellite monitoring of the city’s precincts, along with James Bond-style satellite mounted laser’s to pinpoint and annihilate offending birds
  3. Worldwide extermination of birds (a bit difficult to implement given that Shiv Sena’s jurisdiction extends only within Dadar)

Sena leaders have promised their cadres to lay these plans before the state government and demand implementation at the earliest.

In related news, noted animal activist Maneka Gandhi has raised her voice firmly against the Sena stand. Joining hands with her are hard line animal rights organisations AHIMSA and PETA. Although details of their plan of action haven’t been revealed yet, spokespersons for both organisations say their plans will take flight soon.