•Features an easy-to-learn natural language syntax of verbs and noun phrases
•Allows you to generate scripts automatically by “recording” your actions (applications must support Open Scripting Architecture [OSA] recording)
High performance
•Supports the creation of fast-executing compiled scripts or script applications
•Provides a full-featured, object-oriented scripting language
•Includes an interface processor, which lets you create complete Macintosh user interfaces and applications built on scripts
Productivity enhancement
•Allows you to automate routine or highly complex tasks, integrating functionality while concealing complexity
•Lets you customize your system to suit individual working preferences
•Enables the creation of custom solutions based on off-the-shelf applications
Development facilitation
•Reduces development costs by allowing the reuse of standard applications as components in custom solutions
•Positions developers to take advantage of emerging technologies such as speech recognition, other scripting systems such as QuicKeys and Frontier, and future system software enhancements such as the OpenDoc architecture
International support
•Supports international dialects (Japanese and French dialects are included; the Japanese dialect requires Japanese system software) and allows users to script in the language of their preference
•Is designed to allow the addition of new dialects as they become available
Compatibility
•Lets you create scripts that work across multiple applications and across networks
•Works seamlessly with any application, scripting system, or scripting tool that supports the OSA
•Works out of the box with both traditional Macintosh and PowerPC computers
•Will run on Intel platforms in the future
AppleScript Scripter’s Toolkit is a powerful tool for automating and integrating functionality across applications—and even across networks—into solutions precisely tailored to meet your needs. Whether you’re an in-house developer, a systems integrator, a consultant, or simply a user who wants to get the most out of your Macintosh, AppleScript provides a breakthrough in computing flexibility and functionality.
For in-house developers, systems integrators, and consultants, AppleScript makes it easier than ever to meet the computing needs of the end users whom you support. With AppleScript, it’s easy to integrate the functionality of scriptable applications into a single, seamless, custom solution that does exactly what you need it to do. And AppleScript can also be used to control an organization’s information and work flow, streamlining many of the complex tasks involved in supporting a distributed environment.
The package includes an interface processor from Software Designs Unlimited, Inc., which lets you build custom interfaces—as well as complete applications—entirely from scripts. With it, you can use scripts to create programs that have the look and feel of professionally engineered Macintosh applications, without having to use—or even understand—programming languages such as C or Pascal.
For general users, AppleScript provides a means to automate both routine and highly complex tasks, increasing your productivity. And because AppleScript is a full macro language, you can also use it to customize your system to meet your individual preferences.
No matter what type of user you are, you’ll discover that working with AppleScript is easy and intuitive. The AppleScript language features a natural syntax of verbs and noun phrases, making even complex scripts simple to build, understand, and maintain.
In addition, AppleScript can generate scripts by directly recording user actions, allowing even relatively non-technical users to tap into the power of scripting. In short, AppleScript offers an entire range of users an unprecedented degree of control over their computing environments.
Technical Specifications
AppleScript System Extension version 1.1
Memory utilization
•At rest: 2K
•In use: 330K of code, 150K of data
System extension file size
•400K
Storage management
•Automatic garbage collection
Format of compiled scripts
•Universal AppleScript byte code
Optimization
•Run time optimized for speed
•Compiler optimized for storage efficiency
AppleScript Language Characteristics
Features
•Object-oriented design with single-level inheritance, persistent data objects, control-flow commands, recursive subroutines, exception handling, conditionals, pattern-matching parameter lists, and keyword and positional subroutine–calling conventions
Data types
•Integer, real, date, time, text, lists, records, and any application-specific data
Data value size
•512MB maximum
Open Scripting Architecture (OSA) compliance
•Fully compliant with the OSA, a cross-platform industry standard with widespread and growing application support (more than 80 Macintosh applications currently support the OSA)
Access to third-party application data
•Utilizes Apple events
Transportability of compiled scripts
•Easily transportable (can even send compiled scripts as arguments to remote machines)
Script Editor Version 1.1
Script Editor capacities
•Ability to edit, record, and compile scripts; display scripts in multiple languages; monitor Apple events and values returned; save scripts as compiled scripts or as stand-alone script applications; and script with multiple scripting components (for example, QuicKeys)
Scriptable Text Editor Version 1.1
Scriptable Text Editor capacities
•Scriptable and recordable by any OSA-compliant scripting system; ability to have up to six text documents open simultaneously and edit text files up to 32KB in length
Interface Processor from Software Designs Unlimited, Inc.*
Capacities
•Ability to have up to 9 projects open simultaneously; any number of windows per project; any number of window items per window; any number of menus and menu items; and up to 32,767 characters per script for each project, window, and window item
Interface
•Graphical tools to draw all interface elements
•Ability to copy and paste all design elements and scripts
•Ability to import pictures and icons from any file
•Pixel and grid positioning and sizing
•Undo, Redo, and Revert functions
•Ability to set properties of all design elements
•Message window for commands
•Instant “play” of all interface elements
•Incremental application design and testing
•Pop-up references for messages and properties
•Ability to create custom design and editing tools
Design elements
•Buttons: a variety of standard and custom button types
•Lists: plain and styled text, icons, pictures, multicolumn, draggable, multiselection
•Text: editable or not; wrapped or not; font, style, and color control; key filters; scrolling
•Pop-ups: text, icon, picture, color palettes
•Movies: QuickTime format
•Drawn graphics: lines and rectangles
•Menus: standard and application-specific
System requirements
•Any Apple Macintosh computer with at least 4MB of RAM and a hard disk drive (interface processor requires a 68020 or later processor)
•Macintosh system software version 7.0 or later (interface processor requires version 7.0.1 or later)
Ordering Information
AppleScript Scripter’s Toolkit
Domestic Order No. M1730LL/A
International Order No. M1730Z/A
•AppleScript language, system software extension, and script editor
•Interface processor from Software Designs Unlimited, Inc.
•English, French, and Japanese Kanji AppleScript scripting dialects
•Redistribution license for AppleScript system software and interface processor run-time code
AppleScript Software Developers Toolkit
Order No. R0175Z/B
•Intended for software developers creating scriptable applications and components
•Includes complete AppleScript Scripter’s Toolkit
•Includes CD-ROM and documentation on creating scriptable applications
•Available exclusively from APDA
*SDU, 1829 E. Franklin Street, Chapel Hill, NC 27514;
(919) 968-4576; fax: (919) 968-4576
Apple Computer, Inc.
20525 Mariani Avenue
Cupertino, CA 95014
(408) 996-1010
TLX 171-576
APDA offers convenient, worldwide access to a large number of Apple and third party tools, resources and information for anyone interested in developing applications on Apple platforms. For a free copy of the APDA Tools Catalog call 1-800-282-2732 (US) 1-800-637-0029 (Canada) or 716-871-6555 (International)
