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Ian & Stuart's Australian Mac 1993 September
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Apple Releases 93
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AppleScript- Description
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AppleScript: Description
Copyright 1993, Apple Computer, Inc.
Article Created: 20 April 1993 (Extracted from the Tech Info Library, Apple
Computer, Inc's technical information database on AppleLink. The AppleLink path
to the library is - Support:Problem Resolution:Tech Info Library.)
TOPIC -----------------------------------------------------------
AppleScript is a full-featured, object-oriented, programming language built
into the Macintosh operating system. It can access internal software
functionality of applications supporting the Open Scripting Architecture
(OSA) of System 7.
DISCUSSION ------------------------------------------------------
AppleScript extends the Macintosh graphical user interface to offer
automation, customization, and application integration via scripting
capabilities. AppleScript allows tailoring applications for developers.
The AppleScript product consists of a language, a system software
extension, a scripting environment, and add-on utilities.
Features
--------
• A natural, English-like syntax that can be localized and/or replaced.
• Integration with the Open Scripting Architecture for seamless
communication with multiple applications both within a computer and
across networks.
• Use of OSA standards that enable a consistent scripting experience.
• A Script Editor utility that records scripts from user actions.
Benefits
--------
• Rapid custom solution development for business problems.
• Automation of complex tasks and work flows within organizations.
• Simplification of desktop and network administration within
organizations.
• Automation of routine tasks that can increase personal productivity.
Configuration Requirements
--------------------------
AppleScript requires a Macintosh configured with:
• A 68000 or greater processor
• Minimum 4 megabytes of RAM.
• System 7.0 or later
RAM Impact
----------
With no scripts running, AppleScript takes up less than 5K of RAM. A
running script occupies less than 250K of RAM. Editing and compiling a
script consumes around 750K RAM.
The AppleScript Extension requires 250K of disk space when installed
uncompressed whether on the hard disk or on floppy disks. Toy Surprise
requires 150K of disk space. Quill requires 100K of disk space.
Language
--------
The AppleScript language takes an "English-like" approach. In addition,
it's flexible enough to adapt easily to the needs of languages other than
English. The base AppleScript language includes language control structures
(repeat, if...then, and so on) and a library of built-in commands. The
default syntax of AppleScript is similar to HyperTalk in its natural
language approach, but is more regular and predictable. The default
AppleScript syntax can be replaced with localized language dialects or
programming languages (Basic-like, C-like).
System Software
---------------
AppleScript is implemented as a component, and makes use of the QuickTime
Component Manager. This makes it accessible to any developer who wants to
take advantage of it to give an application intuitive, consistent scripting
capabilities. Implementing the scripting system at the system software
level, makes scripting an integral part of the Macintosh computing
environment.
Scripting Environments
----------------------
AppleScript will be delivered with a simple script generation and editing
facility known as the Script Editor. The Script Editor generates scripts by
"watching" the user's actions. The scripts can then be edited and run by
the user. The End User and Professional versions of the Script Editor will
differ in particular features, but the basic interface will be the same.
Add-on Utilities and Extensions
-------------------------------
Several add-on components complete the scripting product for different
users. Sample Scripts help teach in-house developers how scripting can be
used to solve pertinent business problems. These sample scripts can be
modified to meet their particular needs. End Users can use sample scripts
to make their Macintosh computing experience more convenient and effective.
A script launching utility launches scripts while the computer's owner is
absent. Finally, Open Scripting Architecture Extensions (OSACS) can extend
the reach of AppleScript into other development arenas.
Usage Scenarios
---------------
The following categories are the major classes of functionality that
AppleScripts will enable. Integration of Applications into Custom Solutions
Applications are used as building blocks and "glued" together to create
new, custom solutions from existing applications. These could be internal
or commercial solution sets. A custom front-end might be built that uses
attached scripts to communicate with different applications while keeping
this activity transparent to the user.
Work flow
---------
You can use scripts to automate the process of working: the movement of
data, documents, and information from person to person, machine to machine,
department to department, and application to application. Work flow
scripts will automate some aspect of a group's work process such as
tracking and reporting the status of project elements, managing versions,
routing documents, and archiving files. They are likely to afford a
low-cost minimum-feature alternative for those who do not require extensive
document management systems. Work flow scripts will access, manage and
report the "data about data" in their working environment and drive
applications for communication, including electronic mail.
Administration
--------------
Scripts will perform administrative functions including software
installation and upgrades, backups, remote user support, and
trouble-shooting across local area networks.
Unattended Computing
--------------------
Unattended scripts take the place of the user interaction with the
Macintosh and provide for the execution of pre-determined instructions when
specified conditions are met. Scripts let the user "set-and-forget" a
series of things to be done by an application, or several applications
together. Users will write scripts which test for certain conditions in
their environment, in some document, or in another Mac across the network
and execute when those conditions are met. Users will impose time
conditions on unattended scripts to allow delayed execution, often
overnight.
Posted to:
Apple Products
New Apple Products
Apr-93 New Product Announcements
6-May-93