AppleScript for Dummies

Spending a little time with this book can save lots of time on the computer!

AppleScript is object-oriented programming language used to write script files to automate tasks and customize applications for the Mac. AppleScript can automate much of what you do with your Mac computer, saving time and helping you be more productive. Businesses and individuals frequently use it for:

• Batch processing
• File conversion and manipulation
• Performing tasks at specified times
• Transferring information between databases and other applications
• Creating automated workflows by linking the actions of multiple applications to perform a series of related tasks

Written by Tom Trinko, a Mac man since 1984,and author of articles for MacTutor and MacTech Journal, AppleScript For Dummies, 2^nd Edition covers everything from the basics to more advanced stuff, with information on:

• Finding and installing AppleScript
• Using AppleScript to automate tasks in programs such as Word, Excel, FileMaker Pro, and the Mac OS Finder
• Arranging applications to work together to accomplish complex tasks
• Controlling applications that aren’t even scriptable
• Taking advantage of tools that make composing AppleScript programs easy and fun
• Finding additional AppleScript information on the Internet and elsewhere

With this book, you’ll discover how to script Internet activities, iLife applications, and more. Then, instead of letting your computer and/or software dictate how you do things (and often, how you have to do them over and over and over), you take charge! You’ll agree —this book is MacNificent!

Designed as a reference for the important features of AppleScript including AppleScript syntax, the AppleScript tools, Script Editor, Scriptable Text Editor, and the Scriptable Finder, this book covers commands associated with the Scriptable Finder, as well as the best of the available freeware, shareware, and commercial scripting additions.

Scripting for Mac OS® X is not only easy, it’s fun!

Give your Mac marching orders to automate iLife®, Office 2004, the Internet, and more

Wish you could write a script to save time? You can, and this book shows you how! With AppleScript – a language remarkably like English – you can make your Mac do lots of boring, repetitive chores (sorry, laundry’s not one of them). Then you can spend your computer time being creative, having fun, and getting more done!

The Dummies Way

• Explanations in plain English
• "Get in, get out" information
• Icons and other navigational aids
• Tear-out cheat sheet
• Top ten lists
• A dash of humor and fun

Discover how to:

• Automate tasks in Word, Excel, and FileMaker Pro
• Script the Finder
• Unite applications to handle complex jobs
• Squash script bugs
• Control applications that aren’t scriptable
• Create autonomous scripts

Born in Chicago, Tom Trinko has lived a deprived life, never once having butchered a hog. In an attempt to improve the quality of life in Chicago, he pursued his higher education in Pasadena, California, at Cal Tech. He moved to Wisconsin for the better climate and picked up his PhD in physics, graduating with the official title of mad scientist. His first smart move was marrying a woman who worked at Apple and who had an Apple IIe. With that, he was able to extend his professional programming career, which began in 1972, to home computers. His long-suffering wife brought a Mac home in 1984, which marked the start of Tom’s enthusiasm for the only OS for people who want to get work done. He’s ordered the Mac around in Basic, Forth, C, Pascal, and about a billion or so scripting languages. Back when Apple didn’t know any better, he did contract work for Apple’s Developer University. In real life, he works on other platforms, ranging from supercomputers to UNIX workstations, which continually remind him of how spiffy the Mac really is. His current main objective in life is staying more computer literate than his kids.