Re: on the lack of documentation (was: Re: on neophytes vs perfectionists)
Re: on the lack of documentation (was: Re: on neophytes vs perfectionists)
- Subject: Re: on the lack of documentation (was: Re: on neophytes vs perfectionists)
- From: Ed Stockly <email@hidden>
- Date: Fri, 19 Dec 2008 18:04:08 -0800
On Dec 19, 2008, at 3:38 PM, has wrote:
This is one case (of many) where, between the sample scripts freely
available, the depth of the scripting implementation and the
appleScript community knowlege base, tons of detailed documentation
is
not needed. In addition, if you master scripting one single
scriptable
application you can take that knowledge to script almost any
scriptable app.
Sorry Ed, but you really are defending the indefensible here.
I wasn't really defending anything. I was pointing out that this
particular application actually has decent samples available, and is
well supported by the community.
I was also making the point that there is a difference between the
very basic language/technology support and support for scripting a
specific application. I believed I was answering a question that
indicated a blurring of that distinction. (The make verb is present in
nearly all scriptable apps and functions in similar ways in most.)
And I never "blow-off" newcomers on this list. (I leave that to
others) If I can answer their questions I do. I this case I was making
a legitimate attempt to answer a question about using the Make command
and pointing out other sources of information. (imagine my surprise
when my explanation was answered with sarcasm)
I even sort of agree with some of what Has said. I believe that if
dictionaries were better written, they would provide the *experienced*
appleScripter all the documentation needed. I also believe that each
scriptable app, whether from apple, or any other developer, should
come with working examples of using every command in their dictionary.
First, as a collection of sample commands, and put together in longer
scripts that actually do something useful. That, with the ASLG and
other documentation from Apple would be enough for new and experienced
users. Paricularly if it were all available in a well organized and
consistent format. It would also help if there were some sort of
mailing list where new users could get advice on the basics of
learning Applescript.
ES
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