Comment by deergomoo

6 years ago

AppleScript looks fantastically simple and easy to pick up until you actually come to write some. Then, because of the "conversational" structure of it, it feels more like guessing the right magic incantation than programming.

It certainly reads nicer to non-programmers, but I feel like writing it requires just as much learning as any more "traditional" scripting language, so I'm not really sure what the benefit is.

4 comments

deergomoo

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Wowfunhappy  6 years ago

I'm more of a hobbyist than a professional programmer, so take that for what you will:

I really like Applescript. I agree that it's harder to write, and especially harder to write well, because functional Applescript won't necessarily come out as english sentences, if you aren't careful to construct it the right way.

But the enhanced readability makes it worthwhile. I love that I can look at my own Applescript code and just read what it's doing in english.

I actually wish I could do more with Applescript than just Mac scripting. I've been thinking for a few years now that I ought to play around with Hypercard, but PowerPC emulators are a pain to get running. There's a modern clone called SuperCard, but it costs $200...

P.S. The "open dictionary" option built into the Script Editor is helpful for finding the right "incantation".

saagarjha  6 years ago

I think it requires more. I have a deep respect for anyone who can figure out how to write AppleScript, because I sure haven’t figured it out even after being able to pick up most “traditional” scripting languages quite quickly.