Commands

A command is a word or series of words used in AppleScript statements to request an action. Every command is directed at a target, which is the object that responds to the command. The target is usually an application object, but it can also be a script object or a user-defined subroutine or value in the current script.

Not all commands can be used with all types of targets. When you use a command to request an action, you must choose a command that works with the target you want to manipulate. You must also be sure to specify the target correctly. Several factors, including the direct parameter you provide with a command and whether or not the command is included in a Tell statement, can determine the target of a command.

Commands are described in the following sections:

Types of Commands describes the types of commands you use with AppleScript. It also discusses targets of commands and summarizes which types of commands work with which types of targets.
Using Command Definitions describes the details of using commands and command definitions.
Using Parameters describes how to coerce parameters, how to use parameters that specify locations, and how to deal with raw data in parameters.
Using Results describes how to view the result values generated by AppleScript commands and how to use the predefined result variable.
Double Angle Brackets in Results and Scripts explains what it means when you see double angle brackets («») in a script or a result.
Command Definitions provides detailed descriptions of the five AppleScript commands and of many standard application commands.