Listening in main application for event coming from custom component

Question

I have a custom component that im using for a login.  i watch videos and tutorials on how to pass variables between custom components and application. the problem im having is that must tutorials or explanation have you put the event on the custom component and then it refers to some function within the main app.
Is there a way to just listen on the main app when that event kicks off? ive been trying for hours and i know there has to be something im missing it cant be that hard. any help i would really appreciate.
Thanks
Miguel

Answer 1

Sounds like you're asking about addEventListener():
     <fx:Script>
          <![CDATA[
               import mx.events.FlexEvent;
               protected function windowedapplication1_creationCompleteHandler(event:FlexEvent):void
                    comp.addEventListener("test", testHandler);
               private function testHandler(e:Event):void {
                    trace(e);
          ]]>
     </fx:Script>
     <local:TestComponent id="comp"/>
Add an event listener on your custom component (first string is the 'type' of the event).