Difference Between ActionScript 2.0 and ActionScript 3.0 (With Table)

ActionScript 2.0 is a programming language based on the phenomena of procedural code writing. It was a complete rewrite of the ActionScript language from the ground up. When compared to the 3.0 version of the language, it is slower. Although ActionScript 2.0 is easier to understand than ActionScript 3.0, its code is slower than ActionScript 3.0 code that has been compiled. 

The ActionScript 3.0 is used for scripting and programming interactive content in the Adobe Flash Player. It runs quicker than the 2.0 version thanks to a sophisticated automatic compiler, and it includes over 500 classes and 42 packages. It has a faster speed because of its automatic advanced compiler.  

Comparison Table Between ActionScript 2.0 and ActionScript 3.0 

What is ActionScript 2.0? 

ActionScript 2.0 was a substantial reorganization of the original ActionScript language, resulting in a virtual machine that runs on its own. The language update included a number of new features, such as type checking information at compile and runtime, regular expressions, namespaces, etc.  

The number of ActionScript 2.0 APIs (application programming interfaces) has also increased considerably. Because ActionScript code is free form, the author can use any quantity or kind of whitespace he or she wants. ECMAScript is used to create the fundamental syntax.  

The majority of ActionScript is made up of “basic” data types that generate more complex data kinds. These data types seem a lot like Java data types.  

Additional “complex” data types exist. These require greater processing power and memory because they contain a large number of “simple” data types. MovieClip, TextField, Array, and other data types are examples of AS2 data types. 

It is much easier to learn ActionScript 2.0 in comparison to ActionScript 3.0. AS 2.0 produced in Flash Player is considered slower than the ActionScript 3.0 code. It is fairly useful for various uses. It is also good for applications that don’t necessarily require a lot of math. 

What is ActionScript 3.0? 

It’s an ECMAScript-based object-oriented language. It is mainly used for native app development on desktops or mobile devices.  

ActionScript is a programming language that works with symbols, specified instances. To put it another way, any object you want to work within code must be a symbol with a distinct instance name. You can use ActionScript 3.0 by downloading and installing Apache Flex SDK, or Adobe AIR SDK, or by employing Adobe’s Animate CC package.  

In code, both movie clips and button symbols can be utilized. It enables you to construct completely interactive applications like dynamic websites and computer games.  

One thing to keep in mind is that no instance name should begin with a capital letter. This is because the keywords included in ActionScript 3 start with capital letters.  

Flash would be confused by an instance name that began with a capital letter, resulting in a slew of weird errors.  

Everything in AS3.0 is structured using the Dot Syntax. Dot Syntax has two parts: the first part specifies which items we want to access, and the second portion specifies what we want to do with them. 

You can arrange and organize your application with AS3 in a much more strategic manner. It’s more suggested than AS2 because it’s faster, cleaner, and more efficient. The key distinction is that in comparison to AS2, you may create flash apps with a much stronger OOP influence. Third-party programs such as Greensock’s Tweenlite, Papervision 3D, and box2d are significantly easier to use with AS3. 

Main Differences Between ActionScript 2.0 and ActionScript 3.0 

1. ActionScript 2.0 is a programming language based on procedural code writing phenomenon, whereas ActionScript 3.0 is an Object-Oriented Programming language. 
2. ActionScript 2.0 is used for the purpose of controlling simple 2D vector animations that are usually made in Adobe Flash, but ActionScript 3.0 is used for scripting and programming interactive content for Adobe Flash.  
3. ActionScript 2.0 has a slower speed, and ActionScript 3.0 has a faster speed. 
4. ActionScript 2.0 has 66 classes and 10 packages, but ActionScript 3.0 has more than 500 classes with 42 packages. 
5. The syntax-based features of ActionScript 2.0 include variable Data Typing and New Class Syntax, class and interface statement and those of ActionScript 3.0 include Runtime Exceptions, Sealed Classes, Method Closures. 

Conclusion 

ActionScript evolved alongside Flash over time. The transition from AS 2.0 to AS 3.0 is the most recent enhancement. Although the finished program in AS 3.0 is quite similar to AS 2.0, it contains a number of changes that some users liked and others disliked.  

The speed boost is probably the most well-known change in AS 3.0. When compared to AS 2.0, the prevailing consensus is that AS 3.0 executes scripts 10 to 15 times faster.  

Coding small projects in AS 2.0 is likely to be significantly faster, as you may quickly come up with working code if you depart from the straight path. However, if you’re working on a larger project with thousands of lines of code, AS 3.0 will almost surely be easier to work with and debug.  

It is harder for newcomers to learn because there are many more stages involved in creating a simple application. Regardless, newcomers are encouraged to study AS 3.0 because AS 2.0 is outdated, and firms will most likely begin migrating away from it in the near future. 

References 

1. https://books.google.com/books?hl=en&lr=&id=pXMTDFqPIvIC&oi=fnd&pg=PR6&dq=difference+between+actionscript+2.0+and+actionscript+3.0&ots=izup8NSgyt&sig=kXmK6OMdziSc4V9U-Qq94WKWlJE 
2. https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/978-1-4302-0125-0_3.pdf