Which AppleScript book would you recommend?

Scripting Forums AppleScript | Mac OS X
#1

I’m new to the world of AppleScript, and have never really been a coder. I’ve been using AppleScript for a couple of days, and so far have written one script (posted at http://bbs.applescript.net/viewtopic.php?id=24306 and since improved slightly). The example code in that link is roughly my current skill level.

With this in mind, what are people’s recommendations for a good AppleScript book? I’ve taken a look at a sample chapter of “Applescript the definitive guide, second edition” (http://www.oreilly.com/catalog/applescpttdg2/?CMP=AFC-ak_book&ATT=AppleScript%3A+The+Definitive+Guide) and I didn’t take to the writer’s style.

I’ve also read a sample chapter of “Applescript, The Missing Manual” (http://www.oreilly.com/catalog/applescripttmm/?CMP=AFC-ak_book&ATT=AppleScript%3A+The+Missing+Manual) and that seemed much easier to follow.

I note that both of the above were written 2-3 years ago. Is anyone aware of a more recent book that covers AppleScript 2.0 as shipped with Leopard?

Many Thanks,

Darrell.

#2

Hi Darrell,

Welcome to AppleScripting!

There are two books I recommend.

The first is “AppleScript, The Comprehensive Guide to Scripting and Automation on Mac OS X Second Addition”, by Hanaan Rosenthal.
This is a terrific starter book and continues to be a great reference book.

The second is the book you did not care for, The Definitive Guide by Matt Neuburg. Matt is an incredibly intelligent
individual who covers more than you would have ever thought of asking about AppleScript. This is an excellent book
to read once you are an experienced scripter. You will learn things in his book you will not find anywhere else.

Another resource, if you like video training is VTC.com. Ben Waldie has a very good video series that covers everything
you need to know to get your feet wet with AppleScript. Watch the 2007 series. It is $30 a month for the service but
you can quit at anytime and you can watch them as many times as you like during your membership.

You can also find nearly anything you are looking for on this site. This forum has some of the best scripters in the world
and they are very helpful.

Hope this helps!

Regards,

Craig

#3

I totally agree with Craig’s recommendations.

Hanaan’s book is an excellent starter book and great reference. Matt’s book is for the more advanced scripter.

Vince

#4

This is the book that I’m reading…

http://www.amazon.com/AppleScript-Applications-Visual-QuickStart-Guide/dp/0201716135

Its easy and amazing…

#5

Thanks to all for their recommendations. I’ve ordered “AppleScript, The Comprehensive Guide to Scripting and Automation on Mac OS X Second Addition” book, after having read a few pages of it online.

I’ll probably get the “Definitive guide…” one if I ever get good enough to need it (at which point I should be able to understand it better).

On a related note - does anyone know about this book - http://www.amazon.com/AppleScript-1-2-3-Sal-Soghoian/dp/0321149319/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1206526410&sr=1-1

Apparently it’s not released yet, so I’m hoping it’s a fully updated 2.0 book. However, I gather it was originally published in about 2003, so it may just be a reprint of the original.

#6

Probably the best way to get the most out of your book, is to think up a script project and refer your book on how you can accomplish it.

That’s what I’m doing… now if only I could think of a good script idea… lol

#7

You do not need to think of a good one by you self.

Look at the forums posts for help. Use them for you ideas.