AppleScript: A Comprehensive Guide to Scripting and Automation on Mac OS X

Prior to getting this book as a gift I read every printed book and pdf on AppleScript written in the last 10 years, and still my progress hit a wall that I couldn't get past. Seeing as I've only been scripting for a year, that's part of the problem. Most AppleScript books are either severely outdated, poorly written, or both. This book breathed new life into a subject that really needed a fresh perspective. This book is an extremely thorough reference, a challenging and inspiring workbook and a treasure trove of ready-to-use scripts and tools that you can take and make your own in the real world. Don't expect: "This is a subroutine, here is what it does. This is a variable, this is what it does." Instead, expect stuff like this: "Here is a common problem, here are four ways to solve it. Here is why the first three work. Here is why the last one might not be a great idea. Here is how you can put this to use in the real world." This book is low on fluff and useless graphics and high on useful tools. It is important to maintain a rhythm and mood when trying to get an audience to make it through 800 pages and Hanaan succeeds in keeping the content fresh and throws in just the right amount of humor. And unlike just about every other technical book I've read, the jokes are actually funny. And you'll find that the approach to solving a problem doesn't focus on right or wrong, or the good or bad way of doing things. Rather, it shows the better or best way of doing something and backs it up with real world scenarios and in plain english. I could go on and on about this book and how much it has helped me and my business. Bottom line, if you use AppleScript then by this book now and keep it close by.

I think I have read just about every book there is on AppleScript. At 850 pages and $59.99, this book could easily scare away potential AppleScript book buyers. That would be a mistake. This book, unlike many of the existing AppleScript books, is based solely on Mac OS X. The target audience is the whole range of AppleScripting experience. The author provides from the ground up introductory chapters for beginners, detailed chapters on under interaction and file and error handling for intermediate scripters, and advanced subjects for professional scripters. These later topics include debugging, script objects, and automation. Needless to say, trying to be all things to all people is a goal of considerable complexity. I think Mr. Rosenthal pulls it off rather well. I do not easily recall any technical book I have read that flows so easily. The chapters are well organized with reasonable goals for each. At the end of each chapter is a Power Wrap-up. Unlike the often-anemic chapter summaries found in many books, these Power Wrap-ups encapsulate all the important knowledge imparted in each chapter. They make excellent reference sections, requiring revisiting the full text of the chapter only if some point needs further clarification or example. How well does Mr. Rosenthal meets his goal of addressing AppleScripters of all skill levels? Well, I am a professional software developer and an occasional AppleScripter. I muddle through AppleScript when needed and somehow manage to get the task at hand done. Most other books I have on AppleScript have examples that deal with, for instance, FileMaker Pro, but do little to get one to the point where he can attack the AppleScript dictionary of other applications or to develop the script architecture to properly complete the desired task. Mr. Rosenthal, more clearly and thoroughly than any other AppleScript author I have read, has given me the knowledge, skill and courage to dig into more complex AppleScript projects. This book is a good match for my skill level. I cannot address how professional AppleScripters might find this book, but it appears to me there is a lot of good, advanced, information here. I think the serious AppleScript beginner would find everything he needs right here, although the book's size might be slightly intimidating. Is the book Comprehensive as touted in the title? I think so. I feel this book fills a serious void that has existed in the AppleScript realm. The crystal clear writing is marred only by a few poorly reproduced screen captures (at least in my copy.) Most graphics are fine. For those concerned about buying an expensive book from an unknown publisher, I can state that I have read a few computer books from Friends of Ed and have found each to be well worth the reading effort. Friends of Ed is now part of Apress, another publisher that may not be familiar to the Macintosh community. However, Apress is well known in the PC community for their wide range of technica

I bought this book and have been working my way through the content. It would be fair/accurate to note that I am not a 'technical geek' in any sense of the word. I have been using Macs for 20 years and make a living doing photo retouching and restoration. This AppleScript book is, quite frankly, one of the best 'computer' books I've ever read. And while it is not my intention to switch careers I am pleased that I can finally get a handle on AppleScript for things like file management, general work flows, etc. The author deserves a huge 'thank you' for the great effort and time that he put into this book as well as the contributions he makes on the various AppleScript venues around the web. He's always helpful to us newbies trying to learn this scripting language for real world work solutions. Definitely a 'highly recommended' from my end.

Everybody who appreciates AppleScripting needs two books, a short one to remind you about the basics and a long one for reference. The former category is a tough one, but Rosenthal's comprehensive guide is the best reference I've read so far, especially if you've just started on OS X or have begun to discover the power of scripting InDesign. Everything I wanted to know about AppleScript is covered clearly with succinct examples. The author offers plenty of advice, including a short but excellent chapter on how to make a business out of automation, yet manages to stay out of the way of the reader. This would make an excellent textbook.

This is one of the few AppleScript books completely ineffective against insomnia. It is exhaustive and fun, expansive and concise, and an excellent how-to and reference guide all in one. The author not only knows his subject cold, but knows it from real-world experience, which shows, and for which there is no substitute. I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to learn AppleScript or polish their existing understanding.