How do I write to a file in the app?

Scripting Forums AppleScript Studio & Xcode
#1

I am somewhat of a beginner to AppleScript, I just have a question regarding writing to a file for security purposes. Basically, I wan’t to write to a file that the user doesn’t have direct access to so I can setup some sort of registration for the application (you can only use it a certain number of times until you have to register it). I know how to write to the prefs file, but that is easily accessible.

#2

http://www.apple.com/applescript/guidebook/sbrt/pgs/sbrt.11.htm

#3

Thanks for the info, but I was more wondering if anybody knows how I would write IN the application itself. For example, if you were to use “show contents” on an application, you see what is contained inside, is there any way to save a file directly inside of there?

#4

If you use “path to me”, it will point to your app:

--> update launch count
set f to ((path to me as text) & "Contents:MacOS:._invisiblefile") --> adjust the location here
set fRef to (open for access file f with write permission)
try --> read previous value
	set oldContents to read fRef
	set oldContents to (oldContents as number) + 1
on error
	set oldContents to 1
end try
set eof of fRef to 0 --> empty file
write (oldContents as text) to fRef
close access fRef

--> run or not
if oldContents is 3 then
	display dialog "demo expired!"
	return
else
	display dialog "" & (3 - oldContents) & " launches left!"
end if

--> continue

However, if you save the file inside your bundle, the demo will be re-activated when the user trashes the expired copy and installs a fresh copy :wink:
The best method I know is using a serial number validator. The app will limit its funcionalities unless you provide a serial number.