Now is a great time to be an ActionScript programmer! Over the last few years, several tools have emerged as essential to developing for the Flash platform, and the great news is that many of these tools are free. As of June 8th, 2008, these 10 FREE tools are the ones I consider the most essential for any ActionScript programmer.

1. Flash Develop – One of the best ways to write ActionScript and the only free ActionScript IDE worth considering.

2. Flex 3 SDK – Flash Develop’s essential sidekick.

3. TortoiseSVN – Version control is essential to any productive software development and TortoiseSVN is the best free version control client out there.

4. Unfuddle – Unfuddle is an integrated project management and source control solution. It is essential to the daily operations of the Urbansquall crew. Its free plan is a little more crippled than I’d like, but if you outgrow it then their premium plans should more than meet your needs.

5. Skype – This is the best way to have an IM conference, bar none.

6. Open Office – OO Draw is great for mapping out UI progressions and Write can be easily used to create and then publish PDF versions of your tech docs.

7. Vyew.com – It’s not perfect, but it is the best free group whiteboarding application I’ve come across. Extra brownie points for being Flash based.

8. Firefox – Requires no introduction.

9. Filezilla – Because once you have your awesome SWF you have to deliver it somewhere.

10. GIMP – Image editing Photoshop style, but without breaking the bank.

Think there is something that I should have put on this list? Let me know what it is so I can amend it!