AppleScript: The Missing Manual

by Adam Goldstein

From newspapers to NASA, Mac users around the world use AppleScript to automate their daily computing routines. Famed for its similarity to English and its ease of integration with other programs, AppleScript is the perfect programming language for time-squeezed Mac fans. As beginners quickly realize, however, AppleScript has one major it comes without a manual. No more. You don't need a degree in computer science, a fancy system administrator title, or even a pocket protector and pair of nerdy glasses to learn the Mac's most popular scripting language; you just need the proper guide at your side. The Missing Manual is that guide. Brilliantly compiled by author Adam Goldstein, The Missing Manual is brimming with useful examples. You'll learn how to clean up your Desktop with a single click, for example, and how to automatically optimize pictures for a website. Along the way, you ll learn the overall grammar of AppleScript, so you can write your own customized scripts when you feel the need. Naturally, The Missing Manual isn't merely for the uninitiated scripter. While its hands-on approach certainly keeps novices from feeling intimidated, this comprehensive guide is also suited for system administrators, web and graphics professionals, musicians, scientists, mathematicians, engineers, and others who need to learn the ins and outs of AppleScript for their daily work. Thanks to The Missing Manual , the path from consumer to seasoned script has never been clearer. Now you, too, can automate your Macintosh in no time.

Genres: Reference

350 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2005

About the author

Adam Goldstein wrote his first book at 16, and has written and edited a number since then. He is president emeritus of the MIT Debate Team, and the CTO of BookTour."

Reviews

[Tim · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall, it's not bad. I'm wishing I had a copy of a book I had some time ago, Tao of Applescript which was much better than this one. It's okay, but the quality compared to other learn a programming language books (e.g., O'Reilly's Learning X books) is lacking.

In addition, this book now is fairly old. It was originally published many versions of OS X ago. So, there are things that aren't covered.

I'd recommend looking at a different book, like AppleScript 1-2-3 which while I haven't read it, I've heard many recommendations for it from people I trust.

[Rob · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one almost earns its title... When I think "manual", I think of a comprehensive glossary of keywords, expressions, functions, syntax, etc. This book does not really have that; instead, it leans on that weaksauce crutch of "but AppleScript is just ... like ... you know ... English!" If you read it cover to cover and work through the examples and use-cases, you'll pick up enough of the AppleScript to get by. I recommend keeping your copy of VoodooPad open at all times while reading this one though and taking notes on syntax etc. You'll thank yourself later.