From newspapers to NASA, Mac users around the world use AppleScript to automate their daily computing routines. Famed for its similarity to English and its ease of integration with other programs, AppleScript is the perfect programming language for time-squeezed Mac fans. As beginners quickly realize, however, AppleScript has one major shortcoming: it comes without a manual. No more. You don't need a degree in computer science, a fancy system administrator title, or even a pocket protector and pair of nerdy glasses to learn the Mac's most popular scripting language; you just need the proper guide at your side. AppleScript: The Missing Manual is that guide.
Brilliantly compiled by author Adam Goldstein, AppleScript: The Missing Manual is brimming with useful examples. You'll learn how to clean up your Desktop with a single click, for example, and how to automatically optimize pictures for a website. Along the way, you ll learn the overall grammar of AppleScript, so you can write your own customized scripts when you feel the need.
Naturally, AppleScript: The Missing Manual isn't merely for the uninitiated scripter. While its hands-on approach certainly keeps novices from feeling intimidated, this comprehensive guide is also suited for system administrators, web and graphics professionals, musicians, scientists, mathematicians, engineers, and others who need to learn the ins and outs of AppleScript for their daily work.
Thanks to AppleScript: The Missing Manual, the path from consumer to seasoned script has never been clearer. Now you, too, can automate your Macintosh in no time.
Table of Contents
Foreword
The Missing Credits
Introduction
Part One: AppleScript Overview
Chapter 1. Setting Up AppleScript
The Script Menu
Working with the Scripts You Have
Chapter 2. Using Script Editor
The Script Editor Look
Script Formats
Setting Script Editor's Preferences
Chapter 3. Building a Script from Scratch
Getting Started
Commanding Other Programs
Part Two: Everyday Scripting Tasks
Chapter 4. Manipulating Text
String Notation
Getting Text Back from Dialog Boxes
Linking Strings Together
Multiline Strings
Scripting TextEdit
Adding Word Count
Commanding Microsoft Word
Running Scripts from Text
Chapter 5. Controlling Files
File Path Boot Camp
Displaying Folders
Moving Files Around
Backing Up Files
Deleting Files
Picking a File from a Dialog Box
Saving Files
Chapter 6. Creating Lists
Common List Commands
Displaying Lists
The Ever-Useful every Keyword
List Processing
Joining Lists Together
Inputting Lists
Getting Lists from Other Programs
Chapter 7. Organizing and Editing Graphics
Scripting iPhoto
Controlling Photoshop
Image Events
Chapter 8. Playing Sound and Video
Scripting iTunes
Speaking and Listening
Scripting QuickTime
Chapter 9. Internet and Network Scripting
Internet Connect
Safari
Address Book
Mail
iChat Control
URL Access Scripting
Recalling Passwords
Chapter 10. Organizing Information in Databases
Record Notation
Making a Simple AppleScript Database
Getting File Information
Scripting FileMaker Pro
Part Three: Power-User Features
Chapter 11. Linking Scripts to Folders with Folder Actions
Enabling Folder Actions
Built-in Actions
Running Your Own Actions
Chapter 12. Scripting Programs That Don't Have Dictionaries
Enabling GUI Scripting
GUI Scripting Basics
Controlling Menus
Clicking Buttons
Deciphering Interface Hierarchies
Fake Typing
Chapter 13. Mixing AppleScript and Unix
Terminal
Unix Without Terminal
Running Superuser Commands
Running AppleScripts from Unix
Scheduling AppleScript Commands
Chapter 14. Testing and Debugging Scripts
First Line of Defense: The Compiler
Noting Important Events
Preventing Errors
Isolating and Handling Errors
The Xcode Debugger
Chapter 15. AppleScript Studio
What Is AppleScript Studio?
Making a Program
Part Four: Appendixes
Appendix A. AppleScript Support in Common Programs
Databases
Email Programs
Graphics Editors
Page Layout Programs
Plain Text Editors
Word Processors
Web Browsers
Appendix B. Moving from HyperCard to AppleScript
Data Types
Dialog Boxes
Existence
Numbers
Pausing
Ranges
Repeat Statements
Subroutines
Variables
Appendix C. Where to Go from Here
Web Sites
Discussion Lists
Books
Index
