Externalizing ActionScript Code (ActionScript: The Definitive Guide)

16.7.1. Import From File (Author-Time Import)

While editing a .fla file, we may bring code into the Action panel's Script pane using Import From File, found under the arrow button in the top-right corner of the Actions panel (see Figure 16-1). Import From File is a one-time operation that copies the contents of the external file into the Actions panel, replacing any script currently there. Code imported via Import From File is not persistently linked to the .fla file in any way. To append or insert script text instead of replacing it, you need to manually cut and paste the text from an external text-editing application.

16.7.3. Shared Library (Runtime Import)

To import code from an external source while a movie is actually playing, we must create a shared library .swf file with a movie clip containing the code to import. Runtime import offers the most flexible approach to sharing code across movies because it does not require recompilation of the movies that import the shared code; when the shared library .swf file is updated, the movies that link to it automatically reflect the update.

The following procedures describe how to share a simple test function from a movie called codeLibrary.swf to a movie called myMovie.swf. We'll create the codeLibrary.swf movie first:

Create a new Flash document.
Create a new movie clip symbol named sharedFunctions.

On frame 1 of the sharedFunctions clip, add the following code:

function test ( ) {
  trace("The shared function, test, was called.");
}

Select the sharedFunctions clip in the Library.
From the Library panel, select Options Linkage.
Select Export This Symbol.
In the Identifier box, type sharedFunctions.
Save the document as codeLibrary.fla.
Use File Export Movie to create codeLibrary.swf from codeLibrary.fla.
Close the codeLibrary.swf and codeLibrary.fla files.

Now, we'll create the myMovie.swf file, which will execute the code imported from codeLibrary.swf:

Create a new Flash document.
Save the new document as myMovie.fla in the same folder as codeLibrary.fla.
Rename Layer 1 to sharedCode.
Select File Open As Shared Library, and choose codeLibrary.fla. The codeLibrary.fla Library appears.
Drag an instance of the sharedFunctions clip from the codeLibrary.fla Library onto the Stage of frame 1 of myMovie.fla.
Select the instance on stage, then select Modify Instance.
Name the instance sharedFunctions.
On the main timeline of myMovie.fla, create a new layer called scripts.
Add a keyframe to the scripts layer at frame 2.
Add a new frame to the sharedCode layer.
On frame 2 of the scripts layer, attach the following code:
```
stop( );
sharedFunctions.test( );
```
Export myMovie.swf.
The following text appears in the Output window: "The shared function, test, was called."

Note that a shared library is a linked asset, much like a .gif image is linked to an .html file. Shared library .swf files must, therefore, always be uploaded correctly with the files that use them. To change the location of a link from an imported symbol to a shared library, follow these steps:

Select the symbol in the Library.

From the Library panel, select Options Linkage.

Under Import This Symbol from URL, set the new location.

16.7. Externalizing ActionScript Code

16.7.1. Import From File (Author-Time Import)

16.7.2. #include (Compile-Time Import)

16.7.3. Shared Library (Runtime Import)