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

Bruce W. Perry (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 13, 2001 | Series: In a Nutshell (O'Reilly)

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 Most other AppleScript books are hopelessly out of date.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.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

Cocoa and Carbon may have grabbed the attention of Mac OS programmers lately, but AppleScript remains the tool of choice for programmers who prefer to interact with their operating system and applications at a relatively high level. AppleScript in a Nutshell documents AppleScript throughout its evolution, including the versions that ship with Mac OS X and Mac OS 9.1. Explanations of how to script the Mac OS X desktop and the TextEdit application that accompanies Mac OS X are particularly handy.

The lion's share of Bruce Perry's treatment of the language explains, with a minimum of frills, how each aspect of the AppleScript language works. This is classic O'Reilly, and it works well. For each statement (such as "with transaction") and reserved word (such as "anything"), you get a concise statement of syntax, examples of proper usage, an explanation of what's going on, and caveats where they're required. Classes--the one that the Finder uses to represent folders, for instance--are presented with each of their properties and methods listed alphabetically, and explained, usually with an example. The scripting techniques that are specific to applications, such as Sherlock 2 and the Speech Listener--are similar, with commands and classes presented alphabetically with all options presented explicitly. This book is a comprehensive treatment of a really useful language. Check out Learning Carbon and Learning Cocoa if you want to delve deeper into Mac OS programming. --David Wall

Topics covered:

• The core of the AppleScript language
• The scriptable aspects of Mac OS versions 9, 9.1, and X
• Scripting applications
• Scripting for network configuration
• Scripting additions

Review

'A very technical book which will serve as a work of reference for Mac programmers.' Freelance Informer, July 13th 2001

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 528 pages
• Publisher: O'Reilly Media; 1 edition (June 13, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1565928415
• ISBN-13: 978-1565928411
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 2.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (14 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,025,924 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

I'm a freelance software writer and developer. In a previous career, I wrote about environmental law and regulations. I still take a tremendous citizen's interest in environmental topics. I received a Master's degree in software engineering from Brandeis U. in 2004.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

39 of 39 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars The most poorly edited book I've ever read, January 17, 2002

By 

Ben Haller "Stick Software" (Foster City, CA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: AppleScript in a Nutshell: A Desktop Quick Reference (Nutshell Handbook) (Paperback)

This book is somewhat out of date, first of all; it covers only a fairly old version of OS X, doesn't mention AppleScript Studio at all, etc. This is somewhat understandable, and it is at least much more up-to-date than Danny Goodman's book.
But the writing -- my god! It has the feel of a book that was written in one draft and never edited. Every single page of the book (and I just finished reading it cover to cover) had errors, typos, bugs, and poorly worded or unclear passages. In many cases I re-read sections several times and was simply unable to decipher what they were trying to say at all. I am a very experienced programmer (worked at Apple for several years, in fact), and I couldn't make head or tail of some of the passages in the book. There are huge omissions (I can find no explicit description of what "get" does, for example, anywhere in the reference section of the book). Many subtle (but important) details are glossed over completely.
Just pathetic that this is the best book available on AppleScript. I wish I could get my money back, on this and on Danny Goodman's book. I give it two stars instead of one because at least it is reasonably up to date and occasionally helpful.

14 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Big disappointment, November 30, 2001

By 

James Kendall (Detroit, Michigan) - See all my reviews

This review is from: AppleScript in a Nutshell: A Desktop Quick Reference (Nutshell Handbook) (Paperback)

Save some money and read the real reviews of this book elsewhere online before buying. Why?
- The book contains nothing not already covered in Apple's own documentation - and THEY DO A BETTER JOB.
- No scripting of 3rd-party applications is included.
- It is not readable at all, beyond tedious.
- Other problems: it is verbose and dry.
- The only value the book has is providing syntax for the typical AppleScript core command set.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Impossible to find anything, June 24, 2002

By 

Michelle (San Jose, CA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: AppleScript in a Nutshell: A Desktop Quick Reference (Nutshell Handbook) (Paperback)

A co-worker gave me this book since I'm doing some Applescript work, and I must say, my frustration level just goes up every time I open it. I'm having more luck finding information on the web than I am in this book. The index is very poorly edited, and seems to be missing a lot of functionality.

The book feels like a rush job and just isn't ready for prime time.