gotoAndStop(); flashdevelop or flex - apache-flex

Question

I have a custom class that embeds a movie clip. When I try to use parent class's such as gotoAndStop(). It ignores the method. I would like to know what I am doing wrong. below is my code. I call the method in my constructor Thanks!
game object class
package com.objects
{
import com.eapi.IGameObject;
import flash.display.MovieClip;
/**
* ...
* #author Anthony Gordon
*/
public class GameObject extends MovieClip implements IGameObject
{
public function GameObject()
{
}
}
}
hero class. gotoAndStop() in the constructor
package com.objects
{
import flash.display.MovieClip;
import flash.events.*;
/**
* ...
* #author Anthony Gordon
*/
[Embed(source='../../../bin/Assets.swf', symbol='Hero')]
public class Hero extends GameObject
{
private var aKeyPress:Array;
private var jumpDisabled:Boolean = false;
public function Hero()
{
gotoAndStop(1) ///<----------------Doesnt stop. Just keeps playing
wY = 150;
wX = 90;
speed = .5;
aKeyPress = new Array();
TheGame.sr.addEventListener(KeyboardEvent.KEY_DOWN, keyDownListener);
TheGame.sr.addEventListener(KeyboardEvent.KEY_UP,keyUpListener);
}
private function keyDownListener(e:KeyboardEvent):void {
//trace("down e.keyCode=" + e.keyCode);
aKeyPress[e.keyCode]=true;
}
private function keyUpListener(e:KeyboardEvent):void {
//trace("up e.keyCode=" + e.keyCode);
aKeyPress[e.keyCode]=false;
}
override public function UpdateObject():void
{
Controls();
updatePosition();
}
private function Controls():void
{
if (aKeyPress[38])//Key press up
;//dy -= speed;
else if (aKeyPress[40])//Key press down
dy += speed;
if (aKeyPress[37])//left
{
dx -= speed;
}
else if (aKeyPress[39])//Right
{
dx += speed;
}
if (aKeyPress[32]){//space
jump();
}
}//End Controls
private function jump():void
{
if (!jumpDisabled)
{
if (onGround)
{
gotoAndStop(10);
dy = -15;
jumpDisabled = true;
}
}
else
{
jumpDisabled = false;
}
}
}
}

Answer 1

The problem is that when you embed a swf of a movie clip actually what you got is a movieclip with and added child Loader who get inside the real movieclip.
You must try something like
var aMovie:MovieClip;
Loader(this.getChildAt(0)).getLoaderInfo.addListener(Event.Complete, methodEventCompleteName);
function methodEventCompleteName(e:Event)
{
aMovie = MovieClip(Loader(this.getChildAt(0)).content);
}
I really suggest to try learn to use SWC files. I export him on flash cs5 IDE then add on a lib folder into my proyect, then in flashdeveloper ide right click into the SWC file and check the "add to library" option. Inside a class can directly instantiate the movieClip name into the SWC file like this:
var aMovie:MovieClip = new MyMovieClipFromSWC() as MovieClip;
and it's done :D
Hope this help to someone... because I spend like 3 weeks trying to figured out and finally get it... there isn't enough info about it...

Answer 2

You should add a listener to know when its added to stage and initialize your clip there.
public function Hero() {
if ( stage ) _init( );
else addEventListener(Event.ADDED_TO_STAGE, _init );
}
private function _init( e:Event = null ):void {
removeEventListener( Event.ADDED_TO_STAGE, _init );
gotoAndStop(1) ///<----------------Doesnt stop. Just keeps playing
wY = 150;
wX = 90;
speed = .5;
aKeyPress = new Array();
TheGame.sr.addEventListener(KeyboardEvent.KEY_DOWN, keyDownListener);
TheGame.sr.addEventListener(KeyboardEvent.KEY_UP,keyUpListener);
}
Also, i think this reading Order of operations by senocular would be rather interesting.
It explains frame execution in timeline objects and object creation.

Answer 3

Figure it out. I forgot that my MovieClip was encapuslated in another movieclip. So i had to call the movieclip that was inside of the Hero symbol

Answer 4

I noticed you're still using
[Embed(source='../../../bin/Assets.swf', symbol='Hero')]
Since you're using flash develop (but same goes for flex) there's no reason you can't use SWCs
Although I can't tell with 100% certainty that that is what is causing this issue, once you start using SWCs it will make a world of difference.
Not only will you no longer need to use the embed code, things like gotoandplay and extending classes will work better, and you will be able to see the classes and objects within.
SWFs are not meant to be used this way, and sooner you stop using them for things they are not meant for, the the easier it will be.