AppleScript in a Nutshell
A Desktop Quick Reference
Published on 10. July 2001
Book
Paperback/Softback
526 pages
978-1-56592-841-1 (ISBN)
Description
A 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 and important tool 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 every-day Mac programming tool, similar to Perl on Windows NT or Unix. In this 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; and 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.
The book covers updates and improvements with practical, easy to understand tips, including using AppleScript as a tool for distributed computing, a 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. It also covers using the Sherlock find application to automate web and network searching and insights on scripting new Apple technologies such as Apple Data Detectors, Folder Actions, Keychain Access, and Apple Verifier.
The book covers updates and improvements with practical, easy to understand tips, including using AppleScript as a tool for distributed computing, a 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. It also covers using the Sherlock find application to automate web and network searching and insights on scripting new Apple technologies such as Apple Data Detectors, Folder Actions, Keychain Access, and Apple Verifier.
Reviews / Votes
'A very technical book which will serve as a work of reference for Mac programmers.' Freelance Informer, July 13th 2001More details
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E-Book
06/2001
O'Reilly
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O'Reilly
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Person
Bruce W. Perry is an independent software developer and writer. Since 1996, he has developed web applications and databases for various non-profits, design and marketing firms, ad agencies, and digital-music specialists. Before working in the web field, Perry remained tethered to his portable and desktop Macs while writing environmental law books and newsletters. When not hacking or writing, he loves cycling and climbing mountains in the U.S. and Switzerland. He lives in the Newburyport, Massachusetts area with his wife Stacy LeBaron and daughter Rachel.
Content
Preface Part I. Introduction to AppleScript Chapter 1. AppleScript: An Introduction How Is AppleScript Used? Apple Events Using Script Runner with OS X Using OSA Menu with OS 9 Checking Your AppleScript Version Diving In Chapter 2. Using Script Editor with OS 9 and OS X Script Editor Controls/Commands Scripting the Script Editor Part II. AppleScript Language Reference Chapter 3. Data Types alias boolean class constant data date file specification integer international text list number real record reference RGB color string Styled Clipboard Text Styled Text text Unicode Text Unit of Measurement Classes Unit of Measurement Classes Chapter 4. Operators & ( ) * + - / div < ? <= = > >= ^ [a] reference to and as begin[s] with contains does not contain does not equal ends with is contained by is not contained by mod not or Chapter 5. Reference Forms after back before beginning first, second, third, fourth, etc. every every - from - to - id last middle name some whose Chapter 6. Variables and Constants Variables Constants and Predefined Variables all caps all lowercase anything application responses ask bold case condensed current application date and time constants diacriticals expanded expansion false hidden hyphens it italic me missing value my no outline pi plain punctuation result return shadow small caps space strikethrough subscript superscript tab true underline version white space yes Chapter 7. Flow-Control Statements considering [but ignoring] end [considering] continue error exit [repeat] if simple statement if [then] [else if] [else] end [if] ignoring [but considering] end [ignoring] repeat end [repeat] repeat until end [repeat] repeat while end [repeat] repeat with {loop variable} from {integer} to {integer}[by stepVal] end [repeat] repeat with {loop variable} in {list} end [repeat] repeat {integer} times end [repeat] return [return value] tell simple statement tell end [tell] try [on error] [number | from | partial result | to] end[error | try] using terms from end [using terms from] with timeout [of] {integer} second[s] end [timeout] with transaction [session object] end [transaction] Chapter 8. Subroutines Subroutines with Positional Parameters Subroutines with Labeled Parameters idle handler open handler reopen handler quit handler run handler Chapter 9. Script Objects and Libraries Script Objects Libraries Part III. Scripting Mac OS 9 Applications Chapter 10. Apple Guide and Help Viewer Apple Guide Help Viewer Chapter 11. Apple System Profiler Apple System Profiler Chapter 12. Keychain Scripting and Apple Verifier Keychain Scripting Apple Verifier Chapter 13. Desktop Printer Manager Desktop Print Manager Chapter 14. Mac OS 9 Finder Commands Example Finder Scripts Finder Commands Chapter 15. Mac OS 9 Finder Classes Finder Classes Chapter 16. Network Setup Scripting Network Setup Scripting Chapter 17. Scripting Sherlock 2 Sherlock 2 Chapter 18. URL Access Scripting URL Access Scripting Part IV. Scripting Mac OS 9 Control Panels and Extensions Chapter 19. Appearance Control Panel Appearance Control Panel Chapter 20. Apple Data Detectors Extension Apple Data Detectors Chapter 21. Apple Menu Options Control Panel Apple Menu Options Chapter 22. Application Switcher Extension Application Switcher Chapter 23. ColorSync Extension ColorSync Chapter 24. File Exchange Control Panel File Exchange Chapter 25. File Sharing Control Panel File Sharing Chapter 26. Folder Actions Extension Folder Actions Chapter 27. FontSync Control Panel and Extension FontSync Control Panel FontSync Extension Chapter 28. Location Manager Control Panel Location Manager Chapter 29. Memory and Mouse Control Panels Memory Control Panel Mouse Control Panel Chapter 30. Speech Listener and SpeakableItems Extension Speech Listener Application SpeakableItems Extension Embedded Speech Commands Chapter 31. Web Sharing Control Panel Part V. Scripting the Mac OS X System Chapter 32. Scripting the OS X Desktop Working with Files, Folders, Disks, and Windows in OS X Chapter 33. Scripting Mail Setting Up an Email Message Exploring the Mail Application Object Getting Information about an Email Account Chapter 34. Executing Scripts with the Terminal App osacompile osalang osascript Chapter 35. Scripting TextEdit TextEdit Part VI. Appendixes Appendix A. Standard Scripting Additions Standard Additions Standard Additions Appendix B. AppleScript Resources Index