Flash 5 ActionScript has evolved to contain features and syntax that closely resemble JavaScript, a programming language often used for Web pages. Many of the old features have been retained to maintain compatibility with previous versions of Flash. In addition, ActionScript omits some of JavaScript's features where they are irrelevant or can cause conflicts with previous versions of Flash.

ActionScript now uses, by default, a dot syntax. Dots (periods) separate objects from their properties or the actions you're applying to the objects (called methods). Another use for dots is to show the path to a movie clip or movie. Earlier versions of ActionScript used a slash syntax (which you can still use in Flash 5) to separate the parts of an expression. The new syntax also uses curly braces ({ and }) to separate complete statements from each other.

When specifying a target for the Tell Target or Load Movie action, you can choose to use either slash or dot syntax in the Insert Target Path dialog box. Many Flash users prefer the dot syntax because it's more compatible with the new JavaScript style of ActionScript. If you're already familiar with JavaScript, you should become comfortable with the dot syntax quickly.