Uses for AppleScript

Of course, what really matters is what you can do with AppleScript. The answer? Just about anything you can do yourself.

AppleScript is a language with which you create individual scriptslittle software robots that send commands to different programs on your computer. In fact, scripts do much of what you can do with a keyboard and mouse.

"But why should I learn an entirely new language just to do the things I do myself?" you ask. Luckily, AppleScript has several advantages over a human computer user:

• AppleScript eliminates repetitive jobs. One of AppleScript's greatest strengths is its ability to automatically perform similar jobs over and over again. With AppleScript, you can automatically rename all the files in a folder (Chapter 6), save all your open TextEdit documents at once (Chapter 5), or rate every song in your iTunes library (Chapter 8), for example. Best of all, AppleScript will never get repetitive stress disorderor complain that you're making it work too hard.

• AppleScript automates complicated workflows. Another great ability of AppleScript is managing jobs that take place in multiple programs. For instance, AppleScript can take a picture from the Finder, bring the image into Photoshop, correct color tones, and shrink the file down to a suitable size for a Web site, all without breaking a sweat (Chapter 7).

• AppleScript can do stuff in the background. Sometimes you might want to have a program that works without you asking, and AppleScript can do that too. If you have a screensaver running, for example, AppleScript can automatically set your iChat status to Away without you having to touch your keyboard or mouse (Chapter 9).

• AppleScript works even when you're not. If you're on vacation, AppleScript can take over some of the jobs you'd normally do yourself. For instance, you can create a simple AppleScript that automatically puts excess junk from your Desktop into a different folder (Chapter 5).

• AppleScript's much faster than you are. Unless you're some sort of computational Superman, AppleScript is always faster than you; while it might take you 10 minutes to rename all the files in your Documents folder, for example, AppleScript can do it in less than 10 seconds.

Up to Speed The Meaning of "AppleScript"

The term AppleScript causes some confusion, mainly because it can be used as virtually any part of speech. Originally, it referred to a language, just like English, Swahili, or Java. Later, AppleScript became a more general noun, referring to any program written in the language. Nowadays, you'll hear people refer to an AppleScriptable program (one that can be controlled by AppleScript), or the task of Apple Scripting (using AppleScript to accomplish a job). In some circles, you'll even hear it used an expression of nerdy surprise ("Why, I'll be AppleScripted!"). Keep in mind, too, that the word script has similar connotations. When it comes to AppleScript, a script is a document written in the language, and scripting is the act of writing such a script.