Variables
If you're completely new to programming, it'll take a little while to master the fundamentals, depending on how linearly you can make your brain work. One of the most basic programming concepts is the variable. This is the same variable you saw in algebra class in junior high. Some simple examples:
// "x" is the variable x = 3; // "message" is a variable that holds a string, // i.e., usually text message = "Please press the next button."
You'll probably use variables mostly to keep track of what the user is doing and what state certain movie clips are in. If this isn't clear right now, keep readingas you see more examples, it should become clearer.