AppleScript for Dummies

By Tom Trinko

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, 2nd 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

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0764574949
• ISBN13: 9780764574948
• Release Date: August 2004
• Publisher: For Dummies
• Length: 386 Pages
• Weight: 1.35 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.0" x 7.5" x 9.2"

Customer Reviews

Great book!

Great hard to find book was available and in great condition! Very prompt service! The item was in better shape (for a used book) than I expected it to be as well :-)

Even At Times Lame Humor Helps

As a person with rudimentary programming experience (I've taken basic courses in Pascal and C) I'm finding Mr. Trinko's book helpful. The criticism that his injecting bits of humor interferes with learning AppleScript doesn't resonate with me. While not every pun evokes a grin, they take up only a fraction of a second of reading time, and they lighten the task of learning a complex technical skill. I have no way to judge whether Trinko's approach is poorly organized or not, but the pace of learning and exposure to new topics seems to me smooth and continuous. When he pops in a concept that won't be fully explained until later in the text, he warns the reader. He also reminds the reader where to look back in previous chapters to review a particular idea that has become important again in the discussion. I find the book a welcome companion. Whether I'll become proficient at AppleScript after having finished it is another matter. I bought this book, assuming that it is a low-level introductory guide, and not a fully fleshed out handbook for developers. I would expect to go on to study more sophisticated presentations that contain expanded reference resources. Meanwhile, I'm having fun with AppleScript for Dummies.

Good starters guide

As a non-programmer I found this a really easy introduction to Applescripting - everything I know about it came from this book. The weak gags wear a little thin after a while, but I guess lighten the tone a bit. My only criticism is that there isn't more info in scripting specific apps like Quark, Illustrator etc but you can't win em all, eh?An excellent intro to Applescripting, folks who can already program may need something more technical though.r.

An excellent reference for my clients!

As a Macintosh AppleScript developer, I use this book as a training prep tool for the sccripts I design for my clients. It has all the pertainent operation information that I would use for client education - if I had to produce such a reference myself. For the individual wishing to learn AppleScript on his/her own, it is a great beginner to intermediate guide.

Probably the most complete applescript book for beginners.

A good book for beginners who want a bit more than just the absolute basics. This book will guide you from the simplest of applescript scripts, to writing scripts that will save you heaps of time and effort