Test your site without Flash installed

Many times, as a web developer using Flash, you're probably using the swfObject to embed your Flash content for easy and nearly standard detection.

Sometimes we developers do something special other than display an alternative Div. Maybe jump to another site with Javascript... etc. So to test your Flash detection without uninstalling Flash, use FireFox's handly Add-ons dialog:

In Firefox 3:

• Tools: Add-ons
• Select the "Plugins" tab
• Disable/Enable: "Shockwave Flash" plugin

IE doesn't work with event.currentTarget

Using JavaScript and the event model?

IE doesn't support event.currentTarget, it will come up undefined if used.

Instead use (for special case IE):

event.srcElement.id;

I updated the Horizonal Navgation System to version 1.1. If you've made a purchase, you can re-download the file!

What's new in 1.1 :

• Add your custom logo to the front or back of the Display List through the new XML attribute: logoAlwaysTop.
• Sort sub menus by limiting on many rows (for many sub menus) by using the new XML attributes for the sub menus: rowSort, rowSpacingX, rowSpacingY
• Fine-tune the width and height of sub-menus through the new XML attributes for the sub menus: width, height .
• Documentation is updated to reflect these changes.

Economic hardship sucks... beat it down!

Let's face it, not having a job as a developer... especially when you love to do what you do! Many companies, like Adobe are realizing this so more and more firms and offering either discounts or free software for you to use, learn, and experience!

Here are some resources to help save you time and money:

APPLICATION DEVELOPMENT

• Adobe Flex Pro for the Unemployeed
• C# Express Edition: start using C# for free!
• Visual C++ Express: start using and learning VC++
• Python: Yes, I know it's always been free but it's lovely enough to make this list!
• Java: Another great, free language to jump start your development career!
• Aptana PHP IDE: Don't have the cash to shell out for a PHP IDE, Aptana has one for free and it's great!
• FlashDevelop IDE: Don't have Flash or Flex Builder? Use this free IDE for your ActionScripting needs!
  

3d ANIMATION

• Maya 30 day trial: It's a trial but if you need to pick up on your Maya skillset, it's a free way to do so!
• 3DSMax Trial: Same deal, a trial version but still, if you need 30 days of intense program usage, you're welcome to it!
• Blender3d: A free 3d animation software package
• MilkShape 3d: 3D modelling software: It's shareware but at only $35, it's not a bad deal at all!
  

Floating Navigator Menu

I just finished up a new menu system. It was extremely fun to develop!

Take a look at my Floating Navigator Menu.

Accordion Navigation System update to 1.1

I added a new feature as requested by a handful of buyers:

• Added an optional click state, refer to the docs and the XML file: Two new attributes were added to enable the click state and define the color of the click state.
• A few code optimizations were also made.

Simply re- download the file if you've made a purchase:

Custom Site Search Box Released

I just released a Search Box over at FlashDen. The search box can be fully customized to use a popular search engine of your choice. You can also add icons to your search items and much more:

Features:

• XML driven, easy to customize.
• Add your own site search string.
• Add custom icons. (swf, jpg, png, gif)
• Determine where the search results load in the browser (self, new window, etc)
• Lightweight navigation: all elements drawn dynamically with the exception of the “Go” button, you can load that from the Flash Library.
• Set the behavior of how the ComboBox opens: Open on Roll Over or Click.
• Control ComboBox menu color, item colors, roll over colors, and alphas.
• Control the menu and submenu width, height, corner rounding .
• Style text on both menu and submenu with font color, size, bolding.
• Set the color, size, alpha, and coordinates for the down arrow graphic.
• Embed fonts from your Flash Library through the XML file. (totally optional!)
• Actionscript 3, taking an OOP approach. Don’t know AS3 ? No worries, for the most part, the entire file is controlled through the XML file.