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.
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.
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).
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.