AppleScript Made Easy as 1-2-3

AppleScript is the built-in end-user programming language found in Mac OS X. AppleScript  designed for people like you and me  is designed to help you learn how to automate everyday tasks. Unfortunately, AppleScript can be a little hard for a complete neophyte to work learn, unless you have a friend who can help you, or maybe take a class. I'm happy to report that a new AppleScript book has come out that I think every Mac user would enjoy, and learn from.Called AppleScript 1-2-3, the book is written by by Sal Soghoian and Bill Cheeseman  and Sal is Apple's product manager for AppleScript. You're not going to get any more authoritative, or practical, than that.

List price for the book is $49.99, but Amazon is selling it right now (New Year's Day) for $31.49, at least in the U.S.

If you're not familiar with AppleScript, here's how Apple describes the language, which has existed since 1992:

The benefits of using AppleScript. Research has shown that a primary requirement of customers, professionals, and businesses alike is for customizable automation tools to enable them to be more productive. 1. For individuals, AppleScript provides shortcuts for complex tasks like naming files, resetting preferences, or connecting to the Internet. Many customers find the dozens of scripts provided with the Mac OS to be essential helpers in their day-to-day Mac experience. 2. For professionals, AppleScript is the extra pair of hands performing repetitive tasks, retrieving data and files from remote servers, and executing scheduled updates and errands. AppleScript can process hundreds of files while you're free to focus on other issues. 3. For businesses, automated AppleScript-based workflows provide consistency, accuracy, and speed while delivering a reduced cost for time, materials and staff. More gets done in less time and with fewer mistakes. Most importantly, AppleScript-based automation solutions provide businesses with the means to scale their operations without incurring prohibitive expenditures for personnel increases. 4. Developers and Solution Providers use AppleScript to create easy-to-use automation tools, delivered as custom scripts, applets, applications, and Automator actions, that deliver real-world value for their customers. Customers that use automation solutions remain loyal partners in the growth and development of scriptable products. Sound good? Get the book, and start scripting!

Happy New Year  and maybe I'll see you next week at Macworld Expo!