# Using a listener to detect data from an external application

**URL:** <https://forum.kirupa.com/t/using-a-listener-to-detect-data-from-an-external-application/212218>\
**Category:** Uncategorized\
**Created:** [January 9, 2007, 12:25pm UTC](https://forum.kirupa.com/t/using-a-listener-to-detect-data-from-an-external-application/212218 "2007-01-09T12:25:23Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 1\
**Page:** 1

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![theMonitor](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/ecb155/32.png) [@theMonitor](https://forum.kirupa.com/u/theMonitor)\
**Post date:** [January 9, 2007, 12:25pm UTC](https://forum.kirupa.com/t/using-a-listener-to-detect-data-from-an-external-application/212218/1 "2007-01-09T12:25:23Z")

</div>

could anyone please let me know how to detect when variables are sent through to a Flash movie from an external application? i have tried to set up a listener but so far have only managed to activate it on mouse or button events.

the external application (designed by a third party) sends variables to the main timeline. i need a listener to detect when these variables arrive, so i can update dynamic text fields.

if you need any clarification, i can supply the relevant information.

thanks in advance

Andy.