AppleScript in a Nutshell: A Desktop Quick Reference - Softcover

Perry, Bruce W.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1565928415 ISBN 13: 9781565928411

Publisher: O'Reilly Media, 2001

Synopsis

AppleScript in a Nutshell is the first complete reference to AppleScript, the popular programming language that gives both power users and sophisticated enterprise customers the important ability to automate repetitive tasks and customize applications. As the Macintosh continues to expand and solidify its base in the multimedia and publishing industries, AppleScript is the tool of choice on this platform for creating sophisticated time- and money-saving workflow applications (applets). These applets automate the processing and management of digital video, imaging, print, and web-based material. AppleScript is also gaining a foothold in scientific programming, as technical organizations adopt G4 CPU-based systems for advanced computing and scientific analysis. Finally, "power users" and script novices will find that AppleScript is a great everyday Mac programming tool, similar to Perl on Windows NT or Unix.In this well-organized and concise reference, AppleScript programmers will find:

• Detailed coverage of AppleScript Version 1.4 and beyond on Mac OS 9 and Mac OS X.
• Complete descriptions of AppleScript language features, such as data types, flow-control statements, functions, object-oriented features (script objects and libraries), and other syntactical elements.
• Descriptions and hundreds of code samples on programming the various "scriptable" system components, such as the Finder, File Sharing, File Exchange, Network scripting, Web scripting, Apple System Profiler, the ColorSync program, and the numerous powerful language extensions called "osax" or scripting additions.Most other AppleScript books are hopelessly out of date. AppleScript in a Nutshell covers the latest updates and improvements with practical, easy to understand tips, including:
• Using AppleScript as a tool for distributed computing, an exciting development that Apple Computer calls "program linking over IP." Programmers can now do distributed computing with Macs over TCP/IP networks, including controlling remote applications with AppleScript and calling AppleScript methods on code libraries that are located on other machines.
• Using the Sherlock find application to automate web and network searching.
• Insights on scripting new Apple technologies such as Apple Data Detectors, Folder Actions, Keychain Access, and Apple Verifier.AppleScript in a Nutshell is a high-end handbook at a low-end price--an essential desktop reference that puts the full power of this user-friendly programming language into every AppleScript user's hands.

About this title

Review

Cocoa and Carbon may have grabbed the attention of Mac OS programmers lately, but AppleScript remains the tool of choice for programmers who prefer to interact with their operating system and applications at a relatively high level. AppleScript in a Nutshell documents AppleScript throughout its evolution, including the versions that ship with Mac OS X and Mac OS 9.1. Explanations of how to script the Mac OS X desktop and the TextEdit application that accompanies Mac OS X are particularly handy.

The lion's share of Bruce Perry's treatment of the language explains, with a minimum of frills, how each aspect of the AppleScript language works. This is classic O'Reilly, and it works well. For each statement (such as "with transaction") and reserved word (such as "anything"), you get a concise statement of syntax, examples of proper usage, an explanation of what's going on, and caveats where they're required. Classes--the one that the Finder uses to represent folders, for instance--are presented with each of their properties and methods listed alphabetically, and explained, usually with an example. The scripting techniques that are specific to applications, such as Sherlock 2 and the Speech Listener--are similar, with commands and classes presented alphabetically with all options presented explicitly. This book is a comprehensive treatment of a really useful language. Check out Learning Carbon and Learning Cocoa if you want to delve deeper into Mac OS programming. --David Wall

Topics covered:

• The core of the AppleScript language
• The scriptable aspects of Mac OS versions 9, 9.1, and X
• Scripting applications
• Scripting for network configuration
• Scripting additions

About the Author

Bruce W. Perry is an independent software developer and writer, and the author of O'Reilly's Java Servlet & JSP Cookbook and Ajax Hacks. Since 1996, he has developed web applications and databases for various nonprofits, design and marketing firms, as well as publishers. In his spare time, Perry is an active age-group triathlete and has cycled extensively in the Swiss Alps. He splits his time between Warren, Vermont and the Newburyport, Massachusetts area with his wife Stacy LeBaron, daughter Rachel, and son Scott.

Edition details

• Publisher: O'Reilly Media
• Publication date: 2001
• ISBN 10: 1565928415
• ISBN 13: 9781565928411
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 526