AppleScript: The Definitive Guide

by Matt Neuburg

If you want to know all about AppleScript--the how, where, and why of using it--dig into The Definitive Guide . It doesn't make the mistake that other books it isn't about scripting this or that particular application, and it doesn't assume that learning AppleScript is easy or obvious. Instead, the book teaches and documents the language in a clear and rigorous manner, just as you'd expect with any programming or scripting language.AppleScript is a dynamic, object-oriented scripting system that allows Mac users--even novices who know nothing about programming--to directly control Macintosh applications, including the Mac OS itself. You can write scripts to automate repetitive tasks, customize applications, and even control complex workflows.AppleScript has always been useful, but with Mac OS X it's even more so. Nearly every application that comes with Mac OS X is scriptable. Even non-scriptable applications can often be driven with AppleScript, thanks to the new Accessibility API and GUI Scripting technologies. And now AppleScripters can put a true Aqua interface around their scripts! There's never been a more exciting time for AppleScript users. The Definitive Guide explores and teaches the language from the ground up. If you're a beginner and want to learn how to write your first script or just understand what the excitement is all about, you'll be able to do so after reading this book. The Definitive Guide is the quintessential guide to this important Mac tool. Regardless of their level of experience, AppleScripters everywhere will turn to this book again and again.

Genres: Programming, Reference, Computers, Technical, Technology, Nonfiction

453 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2001

Reviews

[Aaron Priven · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my favorite technical book ever, partially because it is the book whose author is least in love with its subject. Neuberg tells you how to use Applescript without pretending that Applescript isn't hard to use and arcane in spite of its supposedly English-like syntax. His chapter on "what it's like to use Applescript" encompasses what programming is like for me more than any other thing I've read, and itself is worth reading even if one has no use for Applescript.

[hoffnarr · Rating 4 out of 5]

Basically the only serious option around for AppleScript. Unfortunate there isn't a similar book for AppleScript Studio.