Newbie ponders how to learn AppleScript
Newbie ponders how to learn AppleScript
- Subject: Newbie ponders how to learn AppleScript
- From: Dale Saukerson <email@hidden>
- Date: Mon, 12 Feb 2001 20:36:36 -0600
Forgive my rambling
I'm making a serious effort to learn AppleScript and I'm in it for
the long haul. I'm a bloody rookie, so I've decided to abandon
scripting Eudora for now and concentrate on the finder and a few
other apps. (All the sources say Eudora is tough to understand). I've
made a few scripts for the finder and they are so handy that I smile
with delight.
I've stopped reading the finder and language guide from end to end
but will refer to them when I have more experience. I don't own
Goodman's book yet, but I do have the Tao book and the Dummy book.
I've played with a few of the Guide Modules and I comprehend what
they teach. I've also downloaded some scripts and have been following
this list though many of the concepts are over my head. (I'm
archiving every single message).
I'm comfortable using FileMaker Pro's scripting system, QuicKeys, and
used to be OK with BASIC. I have a decent understanding of logical
thought and step by step nature.
AppleScript is proving to be a tougher nut to crack. Especially when
I discovered that the Finder is only partially recordable.
What confuses me and maddens me is not knowing the full assortment of
words I can use and not knowing if I can refer to something or not.
To make matters worse, the error messages from the Script Editor
often are vague and
not much help at deciphering why my scripts won't compile. Perhaps
the error syntax will be more comprehensible to me when I've got more
experience.
A sample of my confusion:
1-How do I *know* I can get the color depth? (I already have a simple
working example).
2-There is no reference to color depth in either the language guide,
the finder guide, nor in the finder dictionary. In other words, I
know it is possible, but shouldn't some sort of reference or hint or
keyword or clue for this be in located in some of these official
sources?
3-I don't have Goodman's book yet. I have no problem spending money
on books, but is the only way to know what is possible is by owning
numerous books and other resources?
4-Am I wrong in expecting the guides and dictionaries to provide a
comprehensive idea of what control I have over an app and the Finder?
(as opposed to how to do it or do it better).
5-Several sources say the Eudora dictionary is misleading. I could
have generated syntax errors for a week and never realized that
Eudora does not support whose clauses. How does a rookie discover the
truth or validity of a poor dictionary without banging his head for
hours on end?
6-I'm very good at self study. How do I accelerate my understanding
of the language so I can better understand how to control apps and
the Finder?
I find mailing lists to be an invaluable source of info for many
subjects, but I'd rather not bother you each time I can't figure out
something ridiculously simple.
Your comments please,
--
Dale Saukerson email@hidden
Minnesota, USA.
G4 Yikes PCI/400 mhz 256megs
AppleScript weakling