AppleScript is a high-level scripting language that comes free on the Mac platform. This handy scripting language adds functionality to the Mac operating system by automating tasks and adding functions to your Mac. If you are new to programming with AppleScript and are looking for a solid introduction, this is the book for you. Developed by computer science professors, books in the for the absolute beginner series teach the principles of programming through simple game creation. AppleScript Programming for the Absolute Beginner provides you with the programming skills that you need and shows you how to put these skills to use in real-world scenarios. Best of all, by the time you finish the book, you will be able to apply the basic principles you've learned to the next programming language you tackle.

Amazon.com® Reader Reviews (Ranked by Helpfulness)

Average Amazon.com® Rating:  Based on 5 Ratings

Great book for getting up and running fast with AppleScript! - 2008-07-04
Reviewer Rating:
I found this book to be well written and easy to use. Like most books these days, it has a few typos in it. I guess that just a sign of the time. Still, there are not many of them. All of the examples were clearly explained and easy to follow. I am about 80 percent of the way through and I have yet to run into any trouble. I recommend this book to anyone interested in a learning AppleScript.

Website for AppleScript Programming Book - 2008-12-16
Reviewer Rating:
I picked up this book on a whim, and found it quite well organized. Yes there are typos, but usually they are easy to workthrough with a little thought. Most of the program examples worked as published, and if you question whether the problem is yours or the books, you can look on the book's website.

Yes, the website is not easy to locate. Start at www.courseptr.com and click on 'Programming' in the left menu. Next, under 'Programming Subcategories' again select 'Programming'. The AppleScript book is listed down the page a bit. Click on the title of the book and you are taken to the page for the book. There, near the bottom is a link to download the Scripts.zip file. This file opens on the Mac desktop, when clicked on, into a folder with a name that is a bunch of numbers. Inside you will find ten folders, one for each chapter in the book. The folders are titled with the chapter number and each contains the programs for that chapter. One thing that is missing is an errata page or list for the book. Why can't authors do that? - it shouldn't be expensive or difficult and would show the author has some respect for his/her work.

One other thing. The publish date is shown to be July 2007 but my book says copyright 2008 on page ii. Also the book info on the website says 368 pages but my book is only 348 pages and seems to be missing nothing!

Don't bother with this one - 2008-07-04
Reviewer Rating:
Book advertises a "companion" web site, but there is no such site available. No source code available for projects given. Instructions for various projects contain errors. Code examples that are given will not build. You'll spend a lot of money for a lot of frustration if you buy this book.

Great Stater book for Applescript Programmers - 2008-06-24
Reviewer Rating:
This is a fantastic book to get you started in the world of AppleScript programming. I highly recommend AppleScript Programming for the Absolute Beginner. Also recommended as a supplement is the iScript Podcast on iTunes as a great second resource to get you on your way. I would star with the book however.

Not really a great approach to applescript - 2009-10-16
Reviewer Rating:
I will preface by saying I have only read two books from the "for the Absolute Beginner" books; the Applescript and Python editions. Please evaluate comments accordingly.

The Absolute Beginner books attempt to make learning scripts less than tedious by involving the reader in writing games using the code. I found this very engaging with Python. However Applescript does not come across as a language that lends itself well to games. Sure you can do nice tricks and quizzes with the scripting, but that does not take truly give you an in depth look at the strength of Applescript. I believe this is because as a scripting language, Applescript relies on the scriptable functions built into other applications which can't be covered in one book. The best way to manage that is to actually start deconstructing and sampling existing scripts, and applying them to your own ends.

Overall, the book has simply not kept me interested in the material. I give this book a 2 of 5, instead of a 1, because if one were to slog through the exercises, one would gain at least a basic understanding, through sheer exposure, of the high level syntax that applescript employs. I haven't really found that worth the $29.99USD list price. Instead I would spend the extra money for the O'Reilly book as a deeper resource, and learn by sampling.

Browse Similar Topics

Top Level Categories:
Programming

Sub-Categories:
Programming > AppleScript