About ActionScript syntax

All languages, whether computer languages or written and spoken "human" languages, follow specific rules that foster comprehension. These rules are known as the language syntax.

Flash uses dot syntax, which means that the period (.) links parts of a script. Other ActionScript syntax elements include the following:

• A semicolon (;) in an ActionScript statement, like a period in an ordinary sentence, indicates the end of a statement.
• Parentheses () group arguments that apply to an ActionScript statement.
• Curly braces {} group related ActionScript statements. You can use nested braces to create a hierarchy of statements.

Later in this lesson, you'll use Flash features that allow you to test your syntax.