dynamic text field question

[k_os]

what's the difference between the text field's instance name and var?

[Persian-Rice]

one isnt a variable................

i think :)

[k_os]

which one allows access to a text fields properties and methods? and what does the other one do then?

[Sualdam]

The instance name allows you to treat the textfield as an object.

The variable name just holds the value/contents of the textfield.

So, using the variable name:fieldname = "This will be displayed";but with the instance name:instancename.text = "This will be displayed";The .text property is just one of MANY properties that make textfields far more powerful when treated as objects.

[k_os]

so 'var' is the exact same thing as 'theinstancename.text'? that seems silly, other than for not having to type so much.

[Sualdam]

Silly?

Well, see if you can answer these: How would you -

1. Change the textfield type on-the-fly
2. Change the background colour on-the-fly
3. Change the textfield width on-the-fly

if you only had the variable name?

If you treat the textfield as an object you use:txtName.type = "input";
txtName.backgroundColor = myColor; //In hex
txtName.textWidth = 200; //In pixelsThere are over two dozen properties that make textfields hugely more powerful when treated as objects. It also means you can create textfields using code rather than designing them in.

[k_os]

yeah, ok, i understand all that: with an instance name, one can access their properties and methods.

now all i'm asking is that the only purpose of the 'var' field is act just like 'instancename.text'?

[Sualdam]

Basically, yes.

I would guess that in future versions of Flash it (the var name) will disappear from the Property Inspector. However, all Flash 5 actions are still compatible with MX.

[k_os]

gotcha. that makes so much sense now. i never understood the purpose of 'var'.