I would argue that, although script based automation will probably never be used ubiquitously, it creates the most ardent and loyal supporters from those that do. A revival of AppleScript promotion and development from Apple would ensure Apple’s system will remain ahead of the pack in the field of powerful end-user automation, and will spark a renaissance of developers adding significant and useful scripting libraries to applications as part of their development strategy. The goal of this thread is to hopefully build enough support to let Apple know AppleScript is worthy of continued development, new features, and overall general improvements. This is because Apple Events, the foundational component for automating with AppleScript, is an integral part of macOS to this day. This includes Apple themselves as you will see the need for AppleScript sprinkled throughout some of their macOS APIs. Additionally, many well known Applications already have vast scripting libraries that individuals and corporations have written scripts for and which they continue to rely on for their workflow. At the end of the day, the ability to write out your commands can never be replaced, and the english-like syntax of the AppleScript language is the perfect, most ‘Apple’ way of doing it. Additionally, Siri Shortcuts on macOS has direct support for executing AppleScript code blocks, suggesting Apple is well aware Siri Shortcuts is in no way capable of superseding the functionality of AppleScript. Being a GUI based drag and drop system, Siri Shortcuts is little more than a rebranding of Automator, and inherits the same limitations that any GUI based system inherently has. However, this is an unfounded assertion due to the significant limitations of Siri Shortcuts. There have been certain murmurs by some that Siri Shortcuts is the future of Mac Automation. Unfortunately, Apple has apparently acquiesced to the undeserved “reputation” and since the departure of Sal Soghoian (lead of Automation technology at Apple), development and promotion of the AppleScript language has apparently come to a halt. It is always a refreshing change when switching context from an obtuse programming language to the English-like syntax of AppleScript. The syntax is nearly identical to the generally accepted format of pseudocode, and is thus worthy of continued development for that fact alone. I, as a Software Engineer, have found myself repeatedly returning to AppleScript since I first took the time to learn it years ago, not only for its fantastic and unmatched automation capabilities, but also as the perfect platform for writing executable pseudocode. It has built a “reputation” of being loathed by programmers. Over the years, certain loud individuals have given the impression that AppleScript is clunky and, although useful, needs to go the way of the dinosaur. It has always been one of the pillars of what makes a Mac a Mac, and what makes a Mac stand out from the crowd. TL DR - If you’d like to see Apple resume development of AppleScript, please reply ‘I agree’ below.ĪppleScript as a scripting language is one of the most beautiful, unique, and unparalleled features of macOS and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.
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