Need some help/ideas/brainstorming

Scripting Forums AppleScript Studio & Xcode
#1

I have an idea to make an AppleScript Library application. I want the user to be able to select from a couple categories, ie - Quark Scripts, InDesign Scripts, Illustrator Scripts…Then select the script they want and run it from the AppleScript Library application. I would like to incorporate droplets and applets within the lists.

This is why:

  • At my company we have many scripts we use on a daily basis, these scripts get updated frequently.
  • Designers pull scripts off our servers onto their desktops, often times they might forget to pull the most updated version.

So I’m thinking by incorporating all of our scripts into an application, We can achieve a few things:

  • Ensure that when a script gets updated, it’s updated within the app and therefore updated on the machine (software update) This would mean that all users are using the most current script. And we’re not relying on them to pull the most current version.
  • Ease of use and organization of our AppleScripts and preventing them from being modified by end users.

So what do you think? Is it possible or practical? I think my company would appreciate it and I think it would make using and finding AppleScripts more enjoyable for the user.
Also, what do you think I should develop this in? XCode, Flex? And where the heck do I start :slight_smile:

Thank you for taking the time to respond,

~Nate

#2

I would make it in AppleScript Studio (Xcode), and create an interface with a toolbar (check the Simple Toolbar example and this post http://macscripter.net/viewtopic.php?id=28590) , and use a toolbar item for every applications and when clicked on that, you can see all the scripts and execute them if you want. And I’d use the Sparkle framework for updates.

-But that’s only me, I’m sure there are other (probably more efficient ways) to do it… and don’t expect this to be made within a few hours, this can take some time but I guess it’s worth it, because it’s much easier…

#3

I do something exactly like that. We have many InDesign scripts that can be run one at a time, or all in a row. The application is made in XCode and each of the scripts is a separate script for easy updating. I had to study the UnitConverter sample to find out how to import a script into the main script. My app has an “output” window that displays the result of each script or a message to the user.
I don’t use Sparkle because it’s just in house and I’m not setting that stuff up on a server/web server. I just email everyone and tell them to copy the whole app to their desktop and tell them the new version number.

#4

Thank you for the responses. I’m sure I will be asking more questions as I get into it.

~Nate