AppleScriptObjC in Xcode Projects: The Gotchas

There are some subtle differences in the syntax you use in AppleScriptObjC in Cocoa-AppleScript class files in Xcode, compared with elsewhere. Perhaps the biggest trap is in the use of alias, POSIX file, file, and date as specifiers.

Theses and other gotchas are documented in the book 'AppleScriptObjC Explored'. You can download the section on the specifier problems from the Fourth Edition free here: 'AppleScriptObjC Gotchas II'.

TWIN EXPLORERS

ASObjC Explorer for Mavericks

This is the ideal AppleScriptObjC editor for Mavericks users, taking full advantage of the changes introduced in 10.9.

ASObjC Explorer for Mavericks is the ideal way to write AppleScriptObjC-based script libraries, and makkes a great external editor for Xcode 5.

Find out more here:
• ASObjC Explorer for Mavericks

AppleScriptObjC Explorer 2

If you have not moved to Mavericks, or you need to support previous versions of the OS, this is the editor for you.

AppleScriptObjC Explorer 2 is also the ideal external editor for Xcode 4.

And with the release of Mavericks, AppleScriptObjC Explorer 2 is cheaper than ever. Save even more by buying the Combo Pack.

Find out more here:
• AppleScriptObjC Explorer 2

APPLESCRIPTObjC EXPLORED

VERSION FIVE OUT NOW!

AppleScriptObjC Explored by Shane Stanley is the definitive resource on building Cocoa-based applications using AppleScript.

In addition to documenting how to use AppleScriptObjC, this PDF book comes with fully-editable and annotated example projects for you to explore in detail.

Written from an AppleScript scripter's perspective
Learn by building a range of projects
More than 20 sample projects
Learn the gotchas and how to work-around them
Fifth Edition covers Mavericks and Xcode 5

MAVERICKS CHANGES

Read about the changes to AppleScriptObjC and Mavericks in Xcode projects.

ASObjC RUNNER

ASObjC Runner is a free application that lets you run scripts that include AppleScriptObjC code from script menus/panels/launchers, and works in versions 10.6 thru 10.9. Now includes a range of “vanilla” scripting commands for non-ASObjC users. Read more and download it here: ASObjC Runner.

ERRATA AND ADDENDA

Up-to-date errata and additions to this comprehensive publication.

MYRIAD HELPERS

These helper files can greatly simplify using some Cocoa classes. Read more and download them here: Myriad Helpers.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Shane Stanley (center, in white) is a long-time AppleScript user and trainer from Melbourne, Australia. He has co-presented the AppleScript Pro Sessions training events in the US for the past 10 years, and specializes in automating workflows in the publishing industry. (photo by Björn Zitting)

VIDEO: ACTIONS AND OULETS

A video demonstrating the connection of application interface elements to their corresponding AppleScript function code using Interface Builder outlets and actions. More here.