Writing a simple class

Question

I would like to write a class that will draw a gradient for
the whole background of my file. I had written this in my file and
it was working, but I would like to put that code into a class now,
as I am trying to learn how to write classes. I am totally new to
classes, so bare with me, I don't know what I am doing... more
guessing at this point really. Here is what I have so far.
My class is called BgGradient.as and holds the following AS
so far.
class BgGradient
var gradient01:String;
var gradient02:String;
var fillType:String = "linear";
var colors:Array = [gradient01, gradient02];
var alphas:Array = [100, 100];
var ratios:Array = [0, 255];
var matrix:Object = {matrixType:"box", x:0, y:0,
w:Stage.width, h:Stage.height, r:(90/180)*Math.PI};
var spreadMethod:String = "pad";
var interpolationMethod:String = "linearRGB";
var focalPointRatio:Number = 1;
function BgGradient() {
beginGradientFill(fillType, colors, alphas, ratios, matrix,
spreadMethod, interpolationMethod, focalPointRatio);
moveTo(0, 0);
lineTo(Stage.width, 0);
lineTo(Stage.width, Stage.height);
lineTo(0, Stage.height);
lineTo(0, 0);
endFill();
I would like gradient01 and gradient02 to be hex values that
I can specify in my main file. What am I missing here? Do I need to
import anything? How about the drawing API? How would I call this
from my main file?
Thanks a lot for any help with this. I really appreciate any
help!

Answer 1

you don't have to pass anything, except you must pass
something that has can reference a graphics class member to which
you can apply your begingradientfill method.
but if you want to specify gradient01 and gradient02 from
outside your class, that would be one way to do it. you could also
use a setter to define those variables outside your constructor.
which is best depends upon what you want to do. if you always
know those variable values when your create a class member, pass
them in the contructor. otherwise, a setter is a good way to
go.