We are going to use applescript to program for macs. Applescript is a powerful language that’s been around since Mac OS 7. Despite its maturity many fancy Ph.D wielding programmers look down on it as too simple, too easy to learn and too much like English. But why would you want a program that too hard, hard to learn and completely different from English? Applescript teaches good habits to not only program entire programs, but also go on to other programming languages as well.
To begin programming we need some basic tools this will cover almost anything you need for applescript
Xcode: [Only registered and activated users can see links. ]
Size : 923.2 MB
What you hopefully have begun to download is Xcode, Xcode is an application that apple made that not only you can edit scripts in, you can also create GUI’s (General User Interfaces) and much more. To begin programming applescript you will need not only that but some books as well here are some books that will help you begin and hopefully flourish as an applescript programmer.
Xcode Book : [Only registered and activated users can see links. ]
Applescript Book: [Only registered and activated users can see links. ]
Start with those books, not only will they give you a solid base in programming they will also help you learn to understand your mac better.
Once you have read the books the best place to learn more about coding and ask questions is this forum.
Forum: [Only registered and activated users can see links. ]
From there you can experiment by yourself and dabble in applescript and xcode.
Now we are going to make a small application, many of you familiar with other codes know that the first script you always make is a simple "Hello World" script. Well we are going to make one with applescript right now. First open the application Script Editor it will have come with you mac, use finder to find it. When it is opened type the following into it...
"display dialog "Hello World""
When that has been typed clikc on the "Compile" button then click on the "Run" button. As you see it displays "Hello World" on your screen! You have written your first applescript! Congratulations although it may not be much keep playing around!
Sadly when you figure out how I made iWoW you may guffaw at how simple it is. Oh well I don’t mind, just remember education is your most valuable asset, never give up trying to learn because then you only fail quicker.
-Valmilu
Author of iWoW
If you have any questions my AIM is : wowtwinks.
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How to program: Mac.
