This is a progress bar based on my ProgressClass, which has circulated on the net. This new progress bar, however, can be used by many more people more easily. This progress bar is scriptable and easily configurable with the included progress bar editor. Source code is not included with this archive at the time, so you can only use the compiled, scriptable version. (If you’d like the ProgressClass source code, email me.)
Features:
• Fully scriptable progress bar
• Allows user to cancel operation (easily detected)
• Text is truncated to fit within window
• Easily configured via stand-alone progress bar editor
• Configuration variables include:
Window Color
Progress Bar Color
Empty Bar Color
3-D Effects
Usage:
The easiest way to see how to use this progress bar is to look at the enclosed sample script. Otherwise, all available commands and variables can be found in the application’s dictionary (just open it via Apple’s Script Editor). While I have attempted to follow Apple’s Object Model, not everything is supported like it should be. For example, you can set all variables except the “user canceled”, which you can only get. Additionally, you can only get “user canceled”; there is no support to get the current window color, for example. I didn’t think access to these variables was necessary, so I omitted it. If you need to get the values of any of these variables, let me know.
While you can configure such options as the bar width and height, and the colors of the various elements via AppleScript commands, it’s easiest to do so with the included progress bar editor. AppleScript commands will override the preferences you set with the editor.
Limitations:
• You can only select “3-D” or not “3-D” with AppleScript commands (set bevel to true (or false)). To selectively turn on 3-D effects for individual window elements, use the enclosed editor.
• You must specify a min/max range with your AppleScript then set the current value with a value within that range. In the future, you will be able to use percentages and not have to bother with the range.
• The AppleScript support, as I mentioned, is rudimentary. You cannot go beyond the depth of the included sample script. (For example, you cannot get the value of the progress bar.) However, I don’t really think that great depth is needed for the intended use of this application.
• The application started out its life requiring 65K. The new features have upped its RAM requirements and its footprint on the disk. The suggested size seems to fit it, but if you find that it crashes, up its preferred size. I will continue to work on this application to trim down both of these requirements.
Credits:
3-D button courtesy of Zig Zichterman
Legal Stuff:
I am releasing this scriptable progress bar as ShareWare or “BarterWare”. If you would like to use it in a piece of shareware or commercial software, I am requesting either a $5 registration fee and a copy of the registered software, or some sort of bartered exchange with me (just email me and we can work something out). If you would like to use it in a piece of freeware, I’d just like a copy of the finished software (no registration fee necessary) and a possible credit somewhere. Registered users will receive preference in suggestion implementation. I retain all rights to everything included in this archive. Mike’s Scriptable Progress Bar archive may be freely distributed, as long it is not distributed apart from this archive. There are absolutely no warranties included with this software. Use at your own risk.
Bugs:
If you find bugs, let me know immediately! Thanks!
