Targeting objects in AS3

Question

I am wondering how to target specific objects/instances in flash as3. I have 2 objects on the stage, for now we'll call them obj1 and obj2 (with instance names). I am trying to have ob1's rotation speed based on obj2's y position. I want to place the code inside of obj1 so I figured if I wanted to target obj2 from inside obj1 I'd just use something like this.rotation = this.obj2.y / 10; but for some reason the thing just keeps it's rotation still. I used the "Target" button at the top of the native code editor but it still gave me the same this.obj2. Any ideas? Thanks in advance.

Answer 1

Assuming the two DisplayObjetcs are next to each other on stage, they have a common parent, so a way to "target" obj2 from obj1 would be:

this.rotation = this.parent.getChildByName("obj2").y / 10;

In other words, unless you set up your own references to other DisplayObjetcs like in Pan's answer, you can reference them through their position in the hierarchal display list.

Answer 2

If you want to update obj1's rotation based on obj2'y, you should call this.rotation = this.obj2.y / 10 in a ENTER_FRAME handler. Or when the obj2's y changes, call the function in obj1 to change rotation.

Assume A is obj1 class

Solution 1, use enter_frame event

class A {

    private var obj2:Object;

    public function class A($obj2:Object) {
        obj2 = $obj2;

        this.addEventListener(Event.ENTER_FRAME, changeRotation);
    }


    private function changeRotation(e:Event):void {
        this.rotation = this.obj2.y / 10;
    }
}

Solution 2, change rotation when obj2.y changed

class A {

    public function changeRotation(obj2:Object):void {
        this.rotation = this.obj2.y / 10;
    }
}