Danny Goodman's "AppleScript Handbook" An ebook (388 page PDF file) available online. Price is a mere $15 and includes sample scripts. Download from: SpiderWorks.com. Softcover from: Amazon.com	Online and operational Macintosh MacOS 10.3 (Panther) or later Proficient use of browser and email Danny Goodman's "AppleScript Handbook"

 

nCity's AppleScript course covers everything you need to know to get started with AppleScript; from object-oriented programming (OOP) to application dictionaries, batch processing to interface design. We'll look at a "killer app" or two and get well acquainted with the Script Editor. Best of all, you already have most of the software and tools necessary for scripting in AppleScript, and complete scripts are also available from a variety of sources.

 

The intention of this course is to provide a basic understanding of how to create, use and edit scripts to interact with System resources and application programs - including the Finder. The scripting process involves a good deal of trial-and-error, with frequent reference to application dictionaries which are not always complete or concise. Just knowing what to look for and where to look is a significant part of the scripting process; therefore, a reference manual for dealing with the complexities of AppleScript is required.

 

We've selected Danny Goodman's newest "AppleScript Handbook," available online as an ebook download (see link above). This manual will be used throughout nCity's AppleScript course. Mr. Goodman has written many outstanding books over the years, going back to the Apple ][, TRS-80 and beyond. Titles include HyperCard, Excel, JavaScript, and previous AppleScript manuals which are still in print (available from Amazon). The newest version of his "AppleScript Handbook" clearly explains the fundamentals of scripting and explores enhanced AppleScript capabilities under OSX. Whether you decide to take this nCity course or not, I would strongly encourage you to purchase and download Mr. Goodman's ebook if you have any interest in using AppleScript.

 

Apple resources and other reference materials are available from the links below, including a link to Ovolab's unique AppleScript-driven telephone control device, the Phlink, and to readily available home automation equipment (Perceptive Automation's Indigo interface and PowerLinc hardware use Insteon and X10 control modules).

 

 

Apple Links: Apple's OSX AppleScript page Conceptual Introduction Apple Developer Connection, Documentation Essential Sub-Routines Language at a Glance (summary) AppleScript Studio (development, Xcode)   Other External Links: Danny Goodman's "AppleScript Handbook" Ben Waldie's "AppleScripting the Finder" MacScripter (archived scripts) AppleScript Sourcebook - info repository Matt Neuburg's "AppleScript Definitive Guide" Bruce Perry's "AppleScript in a Nutshell" Phlink Web Page - all things Phlink Phlink Online Forum - announcements, support Ovolab Support Page - product support Ovolab Home Page - makers of the Phlink Perceptive Automation - home automation Powerlinc - home automation equipment Control module

 

Ovolab's Phlink was selected in '02 as the #1 quintessential computer peripheral, and it has done nothing but improve since then (link posted above). Combined with services provided by the phone company (aka Ma Bell), the Phlink gives you total control over your phone lines. Answer, screen and redirect calls, handle telemarketers, take messages, provide specific info to specific callers, you can do just about anything you might imagine doing with a telephone. All of it scripted in AppleScript and executed by Phlink.

 

The course dovetails (a little) into home security and home automation products using AppleScript, too. Links to hardware/software vendors and product specifications will be provided - Phlink interacts with all that and more - but primary emphasis of this class is on scripting as it applies to the Phlink itself.

Command line versus Object Oriented High-level language

SE window panes, operation and controls Dictionaries and the Script Library Log windows, events and results

Installing (removing) script menu Script dictionary locations The Navigation Bar File-type save options

Dictionaries and the Library Classes and objects Commands, actions and suites Parameters

Reference materials Script Assistant How not to learn AppleScript

Simulated demonstration Exceptions and caveats

Calling System resources "Borrowing" application functions

Reading application dictionaries Grading AS implementation Parameter trial-and-error

Variables and naming conventions Script Editor errors Testing scripts

"Starter" scripts and locations Course manual (prerequisite) Online resources and forums

Ovolab's AppleScript-powered Phlink Widgets Other 3rd party utilities

Xcode and Interface Builder Apple's Developer Connection