More thoughts to come on this soon.
MacVoices Interview > Ben Waldie Clarifies the Situation with AppleScript and Mavericks
Ben Waldie helps cut through the controversy surrounding OS X Mavericks, the iWork suite and get to just the facts. There has been concern about the current lack of support in Mavericks, and also in Numbers, Pages and Keynote. Ben calms the waters a bit, explaining what is missing, what still works, and what his expectations are for scripting in both Mavericks and iOS 7 going forward.
AppleScript Support Returning to iWork Soon
My recent Macworld article discussed the state of AppleScript in OS X, focusing heavily on scripting changes in iWork '13. Well, today, Apple posted a tech note discussing features and compatibility with iWork. In it, they explain that productivity features, including AppleScript support, will begin returning soon. For more, visit...
Apple promises to restore some iWork features within six months
Macworld Article > The state of AppleScript: Let’s not panic … yet
It’s that time again. A new version of OS X is out, and with it come the recurring cries of AppleScript’s demise. But let’s try to remain calm: Recent Internet rumors that the sky is falling may be slightly exaggerated. Nobody knows for sure what the future holds, but personally, I don’t think AppleScript is going anywhere just yet.
[Read more on Macworld.com...]
MacTech Article > Workflow Quick Tips > Productivity App Pick: File Juicer
I develop custom automation solutions for lots of clients, but I don’t like reinventing the wheel. If there’s an existing tool that works well and reduces development time, I tend to use it. File Juicer, from Echo One (http://echoone.com), is one such tool, which I’ve used with great success in numerous client projects.
[Read the full article in MacTech magazine's September 2013 issue, available in print and in the MacTech iPad Newsstand app]
Automation Changes in Mavericks – Official Tech Links
Lots of AppleScript and Automator changes were introduced with OS X 10.9 Mavericks. Here are links to official Apple technical resources that discuss some of them...
- AppleScript Release Notes (Updated for OS X 10.9 Mavericks)
- AppleScript Language Guide (Updated for OS X 10.9 Mavericks)
- Technical Q&A QA1802 (Adopting Scripting Targets for Composing Mail)
- OS X: Using AppleScript with Accessibility and Security features in Mavericks
- WWDC 2013: Session 416: Introducing AppleScript Libraries
- WWDC 2013: Session 417: Automation Update
For a general overview of the automation changes in Mavericks, visit macosxautomation.com (not hosted by Apple Inc.).
The MacTech Spotlight: Ben Waldie Interview
The August 2013 issue of MacTech magazine features a MacTech Spotlight interview with Automated Workflows, LLC president, Ben Waldie. In the interview, Ben discusses how he got started with Macs, automation, and more.
[Read the interview in MacTech magazine's August 2013 issue, available in print and in the MacTech iPad Newsstand app]
AppleScript Easter Egg: Nothing to see here; move along.
In honor of AppleScript's 20th birthday (it was introduced at WWDC 1993), here's a little Easter Egg to share.
1. Create an empty text file.
2. Change the extension of the text file to .sdef (an AppleScript terminology file)
3. Drag the .sdef file onto AppleScript Editor
AppleScript Editor displays an empty dictionary window, stating "Nothing to see here; move along."