AppleScript in a Nutshell: A Desktop Quick Reference (Nutshell Handbook)

By Bruce W. Perry

Book Overview

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 Most other AppleScript books are hopelessly out of date.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.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1565928415
• ISBN13: 9781565928411
• Release Date: July 2001
• Publisher: O'Reilly Media
• Length: 526 Pages
• Weight: 0.05 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.0" x 6.0" x 9.0"

Customer Reviews

Think of it as a dictionary...

This book is more like an expansion of the Apple downloadable resources for Applescript. It covers most everything regarding Finder scripting, and has some examples. I feel that the actual script examples in the book need more of the surrounding script for better context, but overall you can get the idea. This is more of a desk reference for me, since I can't fathom trying to read it straight through unless I've had waaaaay...

Belongs in AppleScript reference library

I use this book mostly for reference. There are a number of examples throughout the book, but you probably won't find any that are specific to the problem you are trying to solve. I recommend this book to be used in conjunction with the numerous resources on the web. This book becomes invaluable once you have some AppleScript experience under you belt.

The First and Only book for AppleScript

We've selected this book as one of our "2001 BEST BOOKS" because it's clear content is perfect for both seasoned Applescripters and the beginner just getting started. It did the best job answering reader's questions about AppleScript -- and in some cases was the ONLY book on our bookshelf to give concise answers within a page.... Five Stars for this one! A Design Bookshelf "BEST" selection for 2001.

The best AppleScript resource yet!

After a weekend with "the book", I can say that this one is a real winner. I'm very happy with the detail and the way it was intelligently sectioned out. The writing is clean with no excessive story telling and nothing extraneous to read - it was obviously edited by real pros.An example in the section on "Application Switcher" the author outlines the "cycling keystroke" class as follows. "cycling keystroke(keystroke object)...