RE: OneClick and QuicKeys {WAS: OSA Menu Lite]
RE: OneClick and QuicKeys {WAS: OSA Menu Lite]
- Subject: RE: OneClick and QuicKeys {WAS: OSA Menu Lite]
- From: email@hidden
- Date: Thu, 6 Sep 2001 04:12:54 -0500
At 09/05/01 17:15 -0700, Stockly, Ed wrought:
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QuickKeys can do most things that OneClick does including embedding scripts and sharing data. It's older and clunkier than OneClick and it has more bugs, but I think the difference between the two is being greatly exaggerated here.
OneClick is light years ahead of QuicKeys as a poweruser's tool. QK has better, more consistent recordablity, and it's latest (classic) incarnation has a couple of tools that aren't replicated by OC. OC interoperates much more flexibly with AppleScript, and it's ability to build elegant, sophisticated interfaces puts QK to shame.
That said I think QK is a better tool for the meat and potatoes user who is disinterested in writing scripts.
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I'm particularly interested in looking at QuickKeys in OS X. If they have done a good job reworking it and if they kept all the features and made everything work, I might even start using it again!
I hope it's good, but I've learned not to expect much from the QK front in terms of enhanced capability and innovation. CE keeps changing the interface and calling it an upgrade.
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>>PB>>its easy-to-learn but incredibly powerful scripting that QC
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That's one of the things I like least about One Click. I already have incredibly powerful easy-to-learn scripting (AppleScript) that I'm very happy with.
AppleScript is *not* an easy language to learn (IMO) - especially for people new to programming/scripting. The documentation front is still very weak. Object model consistency from app to app is lacking. Clear examples for app scripting are conspicuously absent from most app's documentation. Thank goodness for the AppleScript lists.
OC's EasyScript is clear, concise, and well documented. Anyone who's ever had any programming experience will take to it like a duck to water.
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It's a pity they chose to bury the meat of their scripting interface behind a another language. I think it hurt them in the marketplace too. I know of at least one site where that cost them hundreds of installs.
OC came out around 1995 when support for AppleScript was mediocre at best.
My biggest frustrations with OC are that development has always been slow, and EasyScript has never received a major upgrade. Fortunately one can combine EasyScript, AppleScript, KeyQuencer, JavaScript OSA, and MacPERL to get the job done.
MacOS X and the tools available for it have a ways to go before they can accommodate my work flow, and text on the silly thing still gives me a headache.
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QuickKeys has a lot of power and a lot more potential (If they would just get everything to work reliably!) and it's largely Scriptable.
QK has largely been about potential since version 3.0 (exclusive).
The price of OC has come way down, so it's a bargain for anyone who intends to keep using MacOS 9 or lower.
I'd love to see OC come out for MacOS X, but I'm not holding my breath.
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Best Regards,
Christopher Stone
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StoneWorks Computer Consulting
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