Yes , it can be used to build applications with those capabilities. But depends on how you implement it ..just like Java.
When implemented in browser, most of the sandbox restrictions apply.[Like java applets].
But when implemented in a desktop environment [using an OS dependent wrapper or on top of runtime like Apollo], it can write files to disk and do otherwise taboo karmas.<p>For updates on whats going on in actionscript community[or Adobe technologies in general], subscribe to Adobe's MXNA .
Some of the finest Actionscript coders can be found at flashcoders pipermail list.
[chattyfig.figleaf.com/mailman/private/flashcoders/]<p>For an opensource perspective on Flash and Actionscript visit:
osflash.org
Even Bruce Eckel who wrote the popular Java books, "Thinking in Java", has switched sides and is backing Flex.<p>Qs:
Can your application if written in Flex;<p>1) can it open/close files, in Flex?<p>2) FTP stuff across, open network connections?<p>3) can it work offline?<p>
If ActionScript is simply a scripting language in the browser, then I doubt it can do the above. So why the hype?
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Anil
Why would you want to compare it to java? Ye gods man, java/c/c++/c# aren't exactly the kind of languages I'd want a new language to compare with.<p>Python, Ruby, Haskell98, ocaml, etc. Consider those your languages that set the bar right now. Java is 'the new' C.