The best book out there for learning Applescript

AppleScript evolved from an 80's language called Hypertalk. AppleScript has always been the realm of only a few hardcore enthusiasts until Mac OS X came along, which made many computing solutions highly scriptable and boosted the popularity of Applescript. Of all the books I've seen on the language this is the best, especially if you're new to the language.

This book can be a bit of fun too, as it is not simply about business solutions. Instead the author shows you how to use AppleScript to make an iTunes player and create a DVD slideshow. The book teaches the language by a series of short examples, each o which demonstrates a particular programming concept - how to write a loop, how to get a list of files, etc. Each chapter ends with a series of exercises to reinforce what you've just learned with solutions in the back of the book. The following is a chapter-by-chapter run down of the book:

1. Writing Your First AppleScript Program - Covers the basics via a simple program that displays a dialog.
2. Variables, Classes, and Expressions - The nuts and bolts of writing simple AppleScript expressions.
3. Making Decisions - Deals with control flow and getting input from the user.
4. Program Looping - A guessing game program demonstrates the use of the "repeat" statement and its various forms.
5. Working with Strings - The basics of constructing, deconstructing, and inquiring about strings.
6. Working with Lists and Records - How to use the two fundamental data structures of AppleScript. Also discusses more complex structures built from these two fundamental data types.
7. Working with Files - Talks about opening, closing, and modifying files in the AppleScript language.
8. Handlers - Handlers are what you'd call functions or methods in other languages. You'll learn how to write them, how to pass and return variables, and proper form for handlers.
9. Error Handling - How to handle errors via event handling. Known as exception handling in other languages.
10. Working with Applications - Talks about the "tell" statement, which is how AppleScript communicates with application programs. This is a very important chapter, since the primary use of AppleScript is to communicate with other applications.
11. Scripting iLife Applications - A fun chapter. You write programs that interface with iPhoto, iTunes, and iDVD, three of the applications in the iLife suite.
12. Script Objects - You learn how to craft data types that are compatible with object-oriented programming concepts.
13. Loose Ends - Miscellaneous topics covered include web services, the Script Menu, GUI scripting, and recording scripts.
14. Introducing ApplesScript Studio - Learn to use AppleScript Studio to develop a fancy user interface with AppleScript as the underlying code.
Appendix A - Exercise Answers
Appendix B - Language Reference
Appendix C - Resources

Highly recommended for the beginning AppleScript programmer, but that doesn't mean you'll come away with from this book with just beginner's skills.

Other Reviews

• Lost in translation
• The best book out there for learning Applescript
• A competent, well-written, friendly textbook
• It's About Time, and It's a Good Book
• Good, up-to-date starting point