So I made a couple improvements to the KulerCreator application. It now randomizes themes from within a search (A search for “Blue” returns a composition based on one theme one time, and a completely different theme the next). It also allows the user to choose the number of circles to draw and lets you choose what color of background to draw the composition on.

I have noticed a little flakiness on repeated composition creation, as I’m still learning the AS3 DisplayObject stuff (AddChild/RemoveChild is certainly a step up from the createEmptyMovieClip I was so used to using, but it’s taking a bit to get my head around it). So if it wonks out after a couple drawings, just refresh, things should go back to normal… I plan on fixing that soon, but I think I may need to implement a Timer to do so, as a simple loop isn’t doing a perfect job on cleanup.

This project has brought me a few cool learning experiences though:

1. My first real Flash based project in AS3.
2. My first chance to use new AS3 specific things like the Shape Drawing, AddChild/RemoveChild, E4X, Timer, etc. in Flash (I had previously only used them in Flex.)
3. A chance to play with yet another API – the Kuler API. – I have a plan to implement the Kuler API with another API to make a really cool mashup soon, more on the way with that.
4. How to use the new Fullscreen mode in Flash.
5. Implemented the AS3 Tweener class in Flash – I was a long time user of McTween by Zeh in AS2 and now had a reason to use his new class. All animation in KulerCreator is made with this library.

So, continue playing with the application, and again, if you make cool stuff… post it on your sie or flickr and drop me a line. So far the response I gotten has been great. It’s cool to see that people are liking it.

Posted on November 17, 2007

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