Question

Does anyone know the best method to trigger a function in the root from a dynamically loaded movieclip (loaded using addchild) using AS3, I understand targeting root is not the best way to do this?

Thanks
Paul

Answer 1

DanielB has a point, this is not really the best design…
The object calling the function can be set when the movie is loaded. This can be done in many ways, for instance…

private var _functionCaller:MovieClip;

private function onLoadComplete(event:Event):void
{
   _functionCaller = this.parent; // or this.parent.parent or whatever else  
}

private function callExternalFunction():void
{
    if( _functionCaller != null )
       _functionCaller.execute(); 
}

A better approach could be to use an event to inform your root to call a function…

private var _dispatcher:EventDispatcher;

//this function will be called from the parent
public function init(dispatcher:EventDispatcher):void
{
   _dispatcher = dispatcher  
}

private function callExternalFunction():void
{ 
    // You could also create a Custom Event
    if( _dispatcher != null )
       _dispatcher.dispatchEvent("call external function");
}