Super in AS3 – An explanation.

Hello, today I was wondering what the super keyword in AS3 did while they were used in classes. Initially it seemed like it was the constructor for the base class. However after exploring a bit deeper, I realised that there was more to super than it seemed.

So here is a scenario.

ChildClass.as extends ParentClass.as which requires a string in its constructor.
SO, in this case a super is required from ChildClass to pass in the string value that its base class requires. This is extremely important during events and is really apparent then. I will explain how to use, and manipulate events to your advantage in some other post.

Getting back to super, I also found out, not like its some great accomplishment, that you can run other items from parent, just so long as it does not conflict with the required parameters. So in the above scenario, ChildClass.as can run some other independent functions BEFORE running the super. So what you may ask. But this means you can actually append and modify the value of the super from its parent before you pass the super into the parent. IE, say for example your ParentClass wants to always add ” good bye” to the end of the string to be passed into its constructor, you could have a function that returns that value to your child and then from your child pass it to the constructor. Yeah, I am lost in my own post too!

Luckily, I found a person who made some kind of really really great example. I don’t remember who it was though, as I was searching all over for an example. If you are the owner please contact me for your credits here. Meanwhile, you guys can download the modified super example here.

Download link for super example

Feel free to leave any comments and ask anything you want here.

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