Just like in Hollywood, where the scriptwriter is often the least recognized part of the movie-making process, the computer scriptwriter also struggles for respect. Yet without effective scripting, the computer world as we know it would cease to exist. Truth is, everyone has the ability to be a computer's scriptwriter. You don't need a degree in computer science, a fancy system administrator title, or even a pocket protector and pair of nerdy glasses; you just need the proper instruction guide at your side. AppleScript: The Missing Manual is that guide. Brilliantly compiled by author Adam Goldstein, AppleScript: The Missing Manual is the consummate guide to learning how to control your Mac with AppleScript. AppleScript boasts itself as an English-like language that allows any user including those with absolutely no programming experience to control Mac applications in ways to make your head spin. Tired of using the keyboard or mouse to manipulate the same old menus and buttons? Goldstein shows you how to use AppleScript to automate repetitive tasks just like these. Because it's aimed at everyday Mac users, AppleScript: The Missing Manual introduces the core concepts of the AppleScript language and progresses from there. After covering the basics, the book presents scores of real-world scripting examples, so you can learn by doing rather than just reading. And, of course, what would a Missing Manual be without the trademark wit that's become synonymous with the series? AppleScript: The Missing Manual has that in spades, too. Naturally, AppleScript: The Missing Manual isn't merely for the uninitiated scripter. While its hands-on approach certainly keeps the novice from feelingintimidated, this comprehensive guide is also suited for system administrators, web and graphics professionals, scientists, mathematicians, engineers, and others experienced in the fine art of scripting but have a need to learn AppleScript. Thanks to AppleScript: The Missing Manual, the path from consumer to power user has never been clearer. Now, everyone can automate their workflow processes in no time.

Written for the average Mac OS X user, this guide explains how to use the AppleScript language for automating common tasks, such as controlling files, creating lists, organizing a photo library, and playing music. The 16-year-old author also discusses linking scripts to folders, scripting programs that don't have dictionaries, mixing AppleScript and Unix, and debugging scripts.
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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.

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.