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rsh · Oct 26, 2003, 08:42 PM

At long last, the new version of Applescript combined with the Finder included in Panther brings back a recordable Finder. For anyone learning Applescript, this is a HUGE plus.

To try it out, open Script Editor and click the "Record" button. Then open an Application via the Finder. Watch as your actions are translated into Applescript.

Panther is the first version of OS X to offer this feature, long available in OS<X. I'm just beginning to explore other enhancements to Applescript in 10.3... it's looking great so far.

ZackS · Oct 26, 2003, 08:44 PM

NICE!

Seriously, even for seasoned developers, having Applescript able to write some of its own code is a huge time saver.

gorickey · Oct 26, 2003, 08:48 PM

Doesn't work here still...

suthercd · Oct 26, 2003, 09:06 PM

gorickey

Script Editor->Preferences->Editing. Make sure Script Assitant is turned on.

HTH
Craig

Sal · Oct 26, 2003, 09:23 PM

AppleScript in Panther is one of the most significant releases of the last decade.

For an overview of the big features:

www.apple.com/applescript/macosx/

Of special interest:

www.apple.com/applescript/imageevents/

Plus... lots of nuggets scattered around ;-)

rsh · Oct 26, 2003, 09:51 PM

Hats off to you and the team, Sal.

I'm only sorry I won't be at XCon tomorrow for your tutorial session.. I was there last year and left very excited about Applescript.

Can we expect the long-awaited book from you soon? Mine's been on pre-order from Amazon for months!

docholiday · Oct 26, 2003, 09:53 PM

Holy s*%t!... That's very cool and easy to use.

I used to record Macros in Office back in my Windows-only days... and I had heard that OS X is a pretty scriptable OS. But I had never tried it until now.

Question to the Pros: What book would be THE BOOK to get for someone who knows other scripting/programming languages and wants to excel quickly in OS X?

Thanx,
Doc Holiday

rsh · Oct 26, 2003, 10:00 PM

I like this bit from the webpage:

In Panther, scripts can be executed on a schedule or at specified any time, day, or week. iCal 1.5 includes the ability to set the execution of scripts as an action for calendar events. Your Mac can now become your alarm clock with a script that wakes you by playing your favorite iTunes playlist!

Of course, I'm already thinking "Plus the 'good morning' script could open my favorite web pages in tabs in Safari, open my email, and arrange all the windows neatly..."

Now if we can only get that "brew coffee" application scriptable!

Sal · Oct 26, 2003, 10:12 PM

Originally posted by rsh:
Hats off to you and the team.

Can we expect the long-awaited book from you soon? Mine's been on pre-order from Amazon for months!

On behalf of the team, I thank you.

The book is getting close. It's been a lot of work over a long time, but I believe it will be worth the wait.

SomeToast · Oct 26, 2003, 10:13 PM

I see on this page that Safari supports "applescript:" links. What level of scary potential does this provide?

Sal · Oct 26, 2003, 10:14 PM

Originally posted by rsh:
Now if we can only get that "brew coffee" application scriptable!

That's possible with X-10 devices and the scriptable Home Automation systems on the Mac!

Sal · Oct 26, 2003, 10:21 PM

Originally posted by SomeToast:
I see on this page that Safari supports "applescript:" links. What level of scary potential does this provide?

Full details here:

www.apple.com/applescript/scripteditor/12.html

URL Protocol Support in the new Script Editor solves the problem of trying script examples because they transfer directly from the webpage into a script window by clicking a link! No more trying to copy a script or entering by hand.

Don't worry, there's no "run script" option. ;-)

Diggory Laycock · Oct 27, 2003, 04:24 AM

Why is the AppleScript Menu creeping left into the application's own menus again (like in OS 9)?

I preferred the ASMenu when it was on the right.

That's the most jaggy image I've ever seen on Apple's site!

rsh · 05:36 AM

Originally posted by docholiday:
Question to the Pros: What book would be THE BOOK to get for someone who knows other scripting/programming languages and wants to excel quickly in OS X?

There is a second edition of O'Reilly's 'Applescript in a Nutshell". Not sure if that includes all the new changes in Panther. (I'm sure Sal's book will, and he says it's close. He's the guru.)
Another good resource is the Web. Besides the documentation on Apple's site, you can look to:
ScriptBuilders
Doug's Applescript for iTunes
MacScripter