I have spent some time about a year ago with the ECMAscript definition.
It seemed to address some of these questions but I could not satisfy myself that I really understood.
Also it is out of date.
Also it seldom said what was impossible which is the essence of security design.
I believe that there is no separation of compile and runtime for ActionScript.
How is “this” interpreted?
Here is the best description I remember from the ECMA doc:
To evaluate “xxx.ddd(a, b, c)” where xxx is an expression and ddd is an identifier (string):
- evaluate a, b and c giving three arguments.
- evaluate xxx giving X.
- Expect X to be an object.
- Find ddd in X giving f.
- Expect f to be a function of 4 parameters this, A, B, C.
- Bind the arguments to A, B and C.
- Bind “this” to X.
- Execute the code of f with these new bindings.
This is incomplete in several ways:
- It leaves “evaluate” undefined—evaluation is related to binding.
- It does not explain the return question.
- It does not explain the binding for “arguments” during the execution of the body of f.
What other special identifiers other than “this” and “arguments” are there?
As the body of a function begins that has been invoked by some pattern other than “xxx.ddd(a, b, c)” how is “this” bound?
How is the following code executed?
var f = xxx.ddd;
f(a, b, c);
Does the X value get passed along to the body of f?
If you know a document that is clear on these issues and you think it is economical for me to read it, I will be pleased to do so.
I have other vague questions as well.