What is ActionScript written in?

Object-oriented programming language.

Programming language Year 1998 Paradigm object-oriented, prototype-based, scripting Typing gradual
Its runtime is implemented in C++ (reported).

Quick Facts

Designed by
Gary Grossman
Developer
Macromedia
First released
1998
Typing
gradual
Website
www.adobe.com/devnet/actionscript.html

About ActionScript

ActionScript is an object-oriented programming language. It is a garbage-collected language that is just-in-time compiled to machine code as it runs. It supports object-oriented, prototype-based, and scripting programming. A just-in-time (JIT) compiler translates hot code paths to native machine code while the program runs, trading a slower start for faster steady-state speed.

ActionScript first appeared in 1998 and was designed by Gary Grossman at Macromedia / Adobe. Its popularity peaked around 2009. ActionScript is now used mainly in specialized niches and by dedicated communities.

How ActionScript is implemented

In the Language Lineage dataset, its runtime is implemented in C++.

ActionScript in the language family tree

ActionScript drew on ideas from JavaScript and went on to influence Haxe.

Sources: Wikipedia · Wikidata · Official site

Relationship Graph

All directly connected languages. Click any node to navigate to its page.

Runtime Implementation

LanguageConfidenceNotesSource
C++ 80% ActionScript 3 ran on the Tamarin VM, written in C++. Source

Influenced By

Languages ActionScript Influenced

Frequently Asked Questions

What language is ActionScript written in?
ActionScript is primarily implemented in C++. See the implementation section above for details and source references.
What languages influenced ActionScript?
ActionScript was influenced by JavaScript among others. See the influence section above for the full list.
Which languages did ActionScript influence?
ActionScript influenced Haxe among others.
When was ActionScript first released?
ActionScript was first released in 1998. It was designed by Gary Grossman.

Evidence Sources

Discover More

What are programming languages written in? ActionScript in the language family tree Interactive programming language graph Languages ActionScript influenced: Haxe Languages that influenced ActionScript: JavaScript
Explore ActionScript in Graph →