Applescript Books

AppleScript: The Definitive Guide, 2nd Edition

Matt Neuburg

Amazon Price: $26.39 List Price: $39.99 Usually ships in 24 hours By: O'Reilly Media, Inc. Amazon Marketplace: 45 new & used starting at $13.94

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 35 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

Editorial Review:

Mac users everywhere--even those who know nothing about programming--are discovering the value of the latest version of AppleScript, Apple's vastly improved scripting language for Mac OS X Tiger. And with this new edition of the top-selling AppleScript: The Definitive Guide, anyone, regardless of your level of experience, can learn to use AppleScript to make your Mac time more efficient and more enjoyable by automating repetitive tasks, customizing applications, and even controlling complex workflows.

Fully revised and updated--and with more and better examples than ever--AppleScript: The Definitive Guide, 2nd Edition explores AppleScript 1.10 from the ground up. You will learn how AppleScript works and how to use it in a variety of contexts: in everyday scripts to process automation, in CGI scripts for developing applications in Cocoa, or in combination with other scripting languages like Perl and Ruby.

AppleScript has shipped with every Mac since System 7 in 1991, and its ease of use and English-friendly dialect are highly appealing to most Mac fans. Novices, developers, and everyone in between who wants to know how, where, and why to use AppleScript will find AppleScript: The Definitive Guide, 2nd Edition to be the most complete source on the subject available. It's as perfect for beginners who want to write their first script as it is for experienced users who need a definitive reference close at hand.

AppleScript: The Definitive Guide, 2nd Edition begins with a relevant and useful AppleScript overview and then gets quickly to the language itself; when you have a good handle on that, you get to see AppleScript in action, and learn how to put it into action for you. An entirely new chapter shows developers how to make your Mac applications scriptable, and how to give them that Mac OS X look and feel with AppleScript Studio. Thorough appendixes deliver additional tools and resources you won't find anywhere else. Reviewed and approved by Apple, this indispensable guide carries the ADC (Apple Developer Connection) logo.

Beginning AppleScript (Programmer to Programmer)

Stephen G. Kochan

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 6 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

Good, up-to-date starting point 4 out of 5 stars.
15 of 17 people found this review helpful.

Frankly the pickings for Applescript books is pretty slim. To have a new book on the subject is a welcome surprise. I would have preferred that the book had more exposition in relation to the amount of code, but that's a small gripe with what is otherwise a well written book. The basics are covered from the syntax of the language and the tools, to file management and logging. Then the author discusses scripting the common iLife applications. This is where I appreciated the up-to-date information as the other book on Applescript from O'Reilly is badly in need of an update.

I would have preferred some additional information on Applescript Studio, as this is an exciting new development for Applescript. But that is also a minor grip.

A must buy for those interested in a starting point for scripting their OS X box.

Editorial Review:

What is this book about?

Geared toward programmers with no prior development knowledge, Beginning AppleScript serves as a comprehensive guide to using AppleScript on the Mac OS X platform.  This title introduces the reader to AppleScript, and then illustrates how to efficiently start writing scripts through sample programs as each concept is introduced. Exercises at the end of each chapter allow the reader to test and demonstrate their knowledge on how to write functional scripts. The appendices include a list of other resources for additional developer information, and a summary of the language suitable for reference.

AppleScript Programming for the Absolute Beginner (For the Absolute Beginner)

Jerry Lee Ford Jr.

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 3 Average rating: 3.5 of 5

Great book for getting up and running fast with AppleScript! 5 out of 5 stars.
4 of 4 people found this review helpful.

I found this book to be well written and easy to use. Like most books these days, it has a few typos in it. I guess that just a sign of the time. Still, there are not many of them. All of the examples were clearly explained and easy to follow. I am about 80 percent of the way through and I have yet to run into any trouble. I recommend this book to anyone interested in a learning AppleScript.

Editorial Review:

AppleScript is a high-level scripting language that comes free on the Mac platform. This handy scripting language adds functionality to the Mac operating system by automating tasks and adding functions to your Mac. If you are new to programming with AppleScript and are looking for a solid introduction, this is the book for you. Developed by computer science professors, books in the for the absolute beginner series teach the principles of programming through simple game creation. AppleScript Programming for the Absolute Beginner provides you with the programming skills that you need and shows you how to put these skills to use in real-world scenarios. Best of all, by the time you finish the book, you will be able to apply the basic principles you've learned to the next programming language you tackle.

AppleScript: The Missing Manual

Adam Goldstein

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 22 Average rating: 3.5 of 5

Editorial Review:

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 shortcoming: 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. AppleScript: The Missing Manual is that guide. Brilliantly compiled by author Adam Goldstein, AppleScript: 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, AppleScript: 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 AppleScript: The Missing Manual, the path from consumer to seasoned script has never been clearer. Now you, too, can automate your Macintosh in no time.

AppleScript: The Comprehensive Guide to Scripting and Automation on Mac OS X, Second Edition

Hanaan Rosenthal

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 4 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

Editorial Review:

This is the second edition of Hanaan Rosenthals critically-acclaimed AppleScript book. It goes the extra mile to teach you AppleScriptexplaining advanced topics without leaving you behind.

AppleScript is the high-level scripting language that resides on the Mac platform. It can be used to add functionality to the Mac operating system, automate tasks, add functions, and generally make things easier. AppleScript has always been very useful, and with Mac OS X, you can take AppleScript further than before.

This book begins with the basics like handling variables, loops, and commands. Then it proceeds with more advanced concepts like debugging, AppleScripting with databases, manipulating PDFs with SMILE, and automating media workflow. In a nutshell, this book:

• Takes you on a journey from novice to professional AppleScripter.
• Is completely comprehensive; nothing is left to the imagination.
• Is up-to-date through AppleScript 1.10/Mac OS X Tiger.

If you are a Mac user who wants to know the real meaning of having full control over your machine, get into AppleScripting. And pick up this book because it really is the only guide you need to master the art of AppleScripting!

AppleScript: A Comprehensive Guide to Scripting and Automation on Mac OS X

Hanaan Rosenthal

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 12 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

It's True, This is THEE Book on AppleScript... 5 out of 5 stars.
23 of 25 people found this review helpful.

Prior to getting this book as a gift I read every printed book and pdf on AppleScript written in the last 10 years, and still my progress hit a wall that I couldn't get past. Seeing as I've only been scripting for a year, that's part of the problem. Most AppleScript books are either severely outdated, poorly written, or both. This book breathed new life into a subject that really needed a fresh perspective. This book is an extremely thorough reference, a challenging and inspiring workbook and a treasure trove of ready-to-use scripts and tools that you can take and make your own in the real world.

Don't expect:
"This is a subroutine, here is what it does. This is a variable, this is what it does."

Instead, expect stuff like this:
"Here is a common problem, here are four ways to solve it. Here is why the first three work. Here is why the last one might not be a great idea. Here is how you can put this to use in the real world."

This book is low on fluff and useless graphics and high on useful tools. It is important to maintain a rhythm and mood when trying to get an audience to make it through 800 pages and Hanaan succeeds in keeping the content fresh and throws in just the right amount of humor. And unlike just about every other technical book I've read, the jokes are actually funny.

And you'll find that the approach to solving a problem doesn't focus on right or wrong, or the good or bad way of doing things. Rather, it shows the better or best way of doing something and backs it up with real world scenarios and in plain english. I could go on and on about this book and how much it has helped me and my business. Bottom line, if you use AppleScript then by this book now and keep it close by.

Editorial Review:

AppleScript is a high level scripting language that resides on the Mac platform – it can be used to add functionality to the Mac operating system, automating tasks, adding functions, making things easier. AppleScript has always been very useful, and with Mac OS X, it can be taken even further than before.

This book goes the extra mile when teaching AppleScript, explaining advanced topics, while not leaving behind the beginner. It starts off with the basics, such, as handing variable, loops, and commands, then goes on to teach higher level concepts such as debugging, AppleScripting with databases, manipulating PDFs with SMILE, and automating media workflow.

If you are a Mac user who wants to know the real meaning of having full control over your machine, get into AppleScripting; this book is the only guide you need to master the art!

AppleScript for Dummies

Tom Trinko

List Price: $19.99 By: Hungry Minds Amazon Marketplace: 24 new & used starting at $0.12

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Total reviews: 8 Average rating: 3.0 of 5

Editorial Review:

"More than a publishing phenomenon, Dummies' is a sign of the times." - The New York Times "We only buy software that has a For Dummies book to help us learn." - Dennis Schurgin, Happy For Dummies(R) Reader Free AppleScript "Cheat Sheet" Inside! AppleScript(R) For Dummies(R) is the friendly, easy-to-follow guide that gives you the information you need to become more productive using your Mac. You'll discover how AppleScript automates the dull, boring tasks that currently take up too much of your time and also see how Apple has made it easy for you to give orders to your Mac so that it does the boring stuff. Inside find helpful advice on how to:Use AppleScript to automate tasks in programs such as Word, Excel, FileMaker Pro, and the FinderArrange applications to work together to accomplish complex tasksFind out where to get and how to install AppleScript (it's free with System 7.5)Control applications that aren't even scriptableMaster tools that will make scripting easier and funBrowse a long list of applications that you can tame with AppleScriptPinpoint where to get more information on the Internet and elsewhereDiscover the hidden meaning behind all the hacker jargon

AppleScript in a Nutshell: A Desktop Quick Reference (Nutshell Handbook)

Bruce Perry

List Price: $34.99 By: O'Reilly Media, Inc. Amazon Marketplace: 27 new & used starting at $0.46

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 14 Average rating: 2.5 of 5

Editorial Review:

Cocoa and Carbon may have grabbed the attention of Mac OS programmers lately, but AppleScript remains the tool of choice for programmers who prefer to interact with their operating system and applications at a relatively high level. AppleScript in a Nutshell documents AppleScript throughout its evolution, including the versions that ship with Mac OS X and Mac OS 9.1. Explanations of how to script the Mac OS X desktop and the TextEdit application that accompanies Mac OS X are particularly handy.

The lion's share of Bruce Perry's treatment of the language explains, with a minimum of frills, how each aspect of the AppleScript language works. This is classic O'Reilly, and it works well. For each statement (such as "with transaction") and reserved word (such as "anything"), you get a concise statement of syntax, examples of proper usage, an explanation of what's going on, and caveats where they're required. Classes--the one that the Finder uses to represent folders, for instance--are presented with each of their properties and methods listed alphabetically, and explained, usually with an example. The scripting techniques that are specific to applications, such as Sherlock 2 and the Speech Listener--are similar, with commands and classes presented alphabetically with all options presented explicitly. This book is a comprehensive treatment of a really useful language. Check out Learning Carbon and Learning Cocoa if you want to delve deeper into Mac OS programming. --David Wall

Topics covered:

• The core of the AppleScript language
• The scriptable aspects of Mac OS versions 9, 9.1, and X
• Scripting applications
• Scripting for network configuration
• Scripting additions

Danny Goodman's Applescript Handbook, 2nd Edition

Danny Goodman

List Price: $39.00 By: Random House Information Group Amazon Marketplace: 6 new & used starting at $1.97

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 4 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Absolute "bible" for AppleScript. 5 out of 5 stars.
17 of 18 people found this review helpful.

Danny Goodman's absolute treatise on AppleScript. The definitive, must have bible for learning, using, living with AppleScript.

Danny's easy-to-read and insightful tomb. This takes you from absolutely clueless to programming in as little as a month. Danny starts with theory then delivers pratical, real world solutions as examples.

Many books eschew the object oriented underpinnnings of AppleScript, often assuming (wrongly) the customer already knows OOP (Object Oriented Programming). Danny goes through object-oriented programming with outstanding lucidity comprehensible to everyone.

After laying the foundation, Danny dives into addressing the issue by issue in AppleScript including referencing, coercion, looping, optimizations, object-store, and so so much more. The depth of AppleScript is only limited by your imagination.

Many programming books are considered authorities, the last stop, first stop, definitive source everyone turns to. Danny Goodman's _AppleScript Handbook_ is that. If you want to learn AppleScript the right way so your can use it, adapt it, relearn it, and reapply it from application to application, then you *must* own this book.

-Scott

Editorial Review:

This complete book/disk package shows the reader how to customize and extend the capabilities of any Macintosh computer--no programming experience needed! This enhanced and expanded edition focuses on putting AppleScript to work in all sorts of practical situations. Goodman also shows how to apply the same principles to other popular scripting systems. Disk contains utilities and ready-to-use scripts.

AppleScript Studio Programming for the Absolute Beginner

Jr., Jerry Lee Ford

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 5 Average rating: 3.0 of 5

Editorial Review:

This book focuses on teaching the reader how to program using AppleScript, the language that controls and automates applications on Mac OS X. Unlike other books on AppleScript, AppleScript Studio Programming for the Absolute Beginner focuses on AppleScript's role in supporting the development of AppleScript Studio applications. AppleScript Studio comes free with Mac OS X and provides the framework and integrated development environment for creating applications that include fully functional graphical user interfaces. Throughout the book, users will learn the key functionality of both the AppleScript language and the AppleScript Studio application development framework by developing graphical game-based applications that are actually fun to create. Topics covered include values, variables, classes, conditional logic, loop building, strings, lists, records, handlers, and much more. Although intended for readers new to programming, there is also additional coverage of more advanced topics; users will learn to work with drives, files and folders, how to control applications, and how to debug programs and handle errors. The companion CD-ROM includes all of the source code from the book.