Book description
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numerous powerful language extensions called "osax" or scripting additions.Most other AppleScript books are hopelessly out of date.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.
Publisher resources
Table of contents
- A Note Regarding Supplemental Files
- Preface
- I. Introduction to AppleScript
-
II. AppleScript Language Reference
- 3. Data Types
- 4. Operators
- 5. Reference Forms
- 6. Variables and Constants
-
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]
- 8. Subroutines
- 9. Script Objects and Libraries
- III. Scripting Mac OS 9 Applications
-
IV. Scripting Mac OS 9 Control Panels and Extensions
- 19. Appearance Control Panel
- 20. Apple Data Detectors Extension
- 21. Apple Menu Options Control Panel
- 22. Application Switcher Extension
- 23. ColorSync Extension
- 24. File Exchange Control Panel
- 25. File Sharing Control Panel
- 26. Folder Actions Extension
- 27. FontSync Control Panel and Extension
- 28. Location Manager Control Panel
- 29. Memory and Mouse Control Panels
- 30. Speech Listener and SpeakableItems Extension
- 31. Web Sharing Control Panel
- V. Scripting the Mac OS X System
- VI. Appendixes
- Index
- About the Author
- Colophon
- Copyright
Product information
- Title: AppleScript in a Nutshell
- Author(s):
- Release date: June 2001
- Publisher(s): O'Reilly Media, Inc.
- ISBN: 9781565928411
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