ActionScript is an object oriented language. It has been developed by Adobe and like JavaScript adheres to the conventions of ECMAScript in terms of its syntax and semantics. Client side technologies frequently use ECMAScript rules to construct their languages. Microsoft and Netscape were among the software giants who arranged the construction of this programming language as a means of providing rules by which to adhere when scripting languages were being created. Although the rules are not rigidly enforced, programmers are aware of the conventions involved when constructing a new scripting language.

ActionScript can often be found in the code of web sites that employ the Adobe Flash Player. SWF format files – whether on the web or not – may use the language. Although Macromedia (and Adobe, given Adobe’s acquisition of Macromedia) have ownership of the code in one sense, ActionScript is “open source” in the sense that its use in applications that are free to use make it effectively share ware or free ware technology. Its use in distributed processing may therefore be likely, as VPS hosting organizations will be aware of its prevalence and the ease with which it can be employed. Adobe Flex (a compiler) and Mozilla Tamarin (a virtual machine) are two of the programs that use the language.

The original intentions for ActionScript was in the use of simple animations with little interactive content or user input required. Richer content, with web based games and video, were catered for in more recent versions of ActionScript. It is therefore a great tool for webmastering and development. The scripting technology can save time, rather than undergoing the labor intensive process of animation. Not only this, but editing is easier through the script and the code can be reused if necessary. Later versions of ActionScript are also used in some database applications.