Beginning with System Software Version 7.5, Apple Computer, Inc. began shipping AppleScript™ with the Macintosh® Operating System (Mac OS). AppleScript is the first integrated systemwide scripting language for personal computers.
The Power of AppleScript
AppleScript is used for customization, integration, and automation.
• Customization. Applications can be customized to behave or perform the way a user wants.
• Integration. Several off-the-shelf applications can be combined to produce multi-application scenarios never before possible.
• Automation. The repetitive parts of a user’s life can be automated.
The Uniqueness of AppleScript
AppleScript is a hybrid between a human language and a computer language. It has the most unique combinations of capabilities ever assembled into a single language. In addition to the normal programming language constructs, it has the remarkable ability to communicate with and control other applications. It also has unique data types such as lists and records, which are collections of other data values.
AppleScript is:
• Natural. It uses human-readable constructs such as tell application "WordPerfect" to print the second window.
• Extensible. Like any computer language, it has core capabilities, such as flow control and variables, but unlike other languages, it can be extended by any AppleScript-aware application.
• Dynamic. Variables can be assigned a value with a particular data type, such as an integer or character string, and then reassigned a value with a different data type.
• Systemwide. Since it’s part of the operating system, it is always available.
Challenges facing script writers
To be able to use AppleScript effectively, script writers must be able to express the actions they want to able to accomplish in terms that a scriptable application can understand; and to describe the particular objects that they want to perform these actions upon, again in terms that a scriptable application can understand. They need to have a means of exploring the particular capabilities of the applications they want to communicate with and control. They also need to work in an environment which lends itself to experimentation. And finally, they also need to be able to put together as well as perfect their scripts quickly and easily.
Other products in the scripting arena use one of two approaches: they provide a simple text editor and add the basic capabilities of turning the text into a script; or they mimic traditional programming environments, such as those used by C programmers.
The Scripter Story
Main Event’s Scripter® has been uniquely designed around the characteristics of the AppleScript language, both its natural aspects and its extensibility.
• AppleScript is not C. Since it is the language of inter-application communication, traditional programming language tools don’t have as much significance to those working with AppleScript.
• AppleScript can be used by non-programmers. The level of technical expertise necessary to utilize AppleScript is significantly lower than that of traditional programming languages. The set of tools, therefore, should be different.
The widest possible range of script users make up Scripter’s audience:
• Power users learning the language have an access point to the capabilities of AppleScript, using browsers through which they can easily explore the set of commands for a particular scriptable application. They take advantage of the ability to try out single commands apart from the scripts they’re building.
• Solutions providers use the numerous shortcuts provided to help put scripts together faster. They can also create libraries of reusable routines easily.
• In-house developers depend on the array of advanced debugging tools to assemble large or complex systems.
• Internet solutions providers can use the tools to perfect .cgi scripts, which are at the heart of World Wide Web servers.
Scripter will start out assisting novices in their exploration of scripting, and then grow with them as they become script writers. Intermediate and advanced tools are available as they become experts, ready to take advantage of their power.
The Scripter Philosophy
Unlike many other software programs, Scripter is not merely an extensive collection of features — it is a philosophy. Many of the features are designed and crafted to work in tandem with other features; some of them are linked to other features. In other words, Scripter’s pieces fit together in a unique productive and satisfying way.
The capabilities of Scripter predominately fall into three categories:
• Better access to application vocabularies. To understand the capabilities of a particular scriptable application, Scripter provides browsers for examining the commands (and syntax of the commands), and the types of objects which comprise the vocabulary of that application. Commands and object descriptions can be assembled using terms from the application’s vocabulary, leading to a higher probability that these constructs will more likely serve to accomplish the script writer’s goals. In addition, a command area allows trial-and-error sessions, encouraging experimentation.
• Advanced editing capabilities and shortcuts. Included are many time-savers that streamline the writing of tedious, repetitive constructs. Also, collections of frequently-used routines can be gathered and made readily available.
• Tools for debugging scripts. Several tools work together to provide a unique framework in which to perfect scripts. The debugging capabilities in Scripter are so easy to understand that someone who has never used a development environment can easily make use of facilities that were previously only the province of the high-end programmer.
Also unlike many other software programs, careful attention was given to making sure that the features actually work, and work in a way which makes the difference for a script writer.
• Scripter is mature. For over a year and a half, Scripter underwent the testing and scrutiny of a wide variety of users, ranging from individuals who previously had been exposed only minimally to scripting concepts, to active solutions providers, to those who had considerable professional programming experience. Scripter has been used to write scripts performing simple automation tasks, as well as to develop large-scale multi-application integrated scenarios which form the heart of systems never before possible. Major client testing was begun one year before the product’s initial release.
The philosophy of interaction and integration yields unusual experiences and produces profound and dramatic changes in the way people do their work:
“I keep finding new ways to take advantage of Scripter to alleviate so many little mundane procedures. I am seriously impressed.”
— Mark Hadfield, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto
“Scripter’s debugging abilities certainly make it a worthy replacement for Script Editor.”
— Danny Goodman’s AppleScript Handbook, 2nd Edition, Random House, 1995
“This product helps us make more money.”
— Mark Kreigsmann, Document Directions, Boston
“Scripter has the capabilities I’ve been waiting for for a year, and the ones I wouldn’t have thought of for another year.”
— Andrew Olson, consultant, New York
“This program is an order of magnitude better than any competing product....”
— Stephen Poole, Walker Richer and Quinn, Seattle
Scripter has changed people’s lives — and some have said that it will change the way their companies work.
