2016

Script XTensions software is not required to run scripts that communicate with
v
ersions of QuarkXPress prior to QuarkXPress 5.0.
A basic understanding of programming is optional. AppleScript is a relatively
easy language to learn. You can begin by writing basic scripts, and add to them
when your understanding of the language is more advanced.
WHAT THIS GUIDE PROVIDES
This guide provides background information on Apple events, an analysis of a
sample script, and specific information about writing scripts for QuarkXPress.
If you are unfamiliar with Apple events terminology, read the chapters
sequentially and refer to the glossary as necessary.
SCRIPTING OVERVIEW
This section provides an overview of Apple events scripting with QuarkXPress.
First, it introduces the concepts and terminology involved, including: the object
model, objects, object hierarchy, object references, reference forms, insertion
points in the hierarchy, events, suites, and the QuarkXPress object hierarchy.
You should understand these concepts and terms before you attempt to write
scripts for QuarkXPress.
The second part of this section provides information on optimizing the
performance of scripts.
INTRODUCTION TO APPLE EVENTS
Apple events, a Mac OS feature, allows interapplication communication on a
local system or across a network. Applications communicate through standard
Apple events messages that give instructions, respond to instructions, and send
or receive data. The terminology for Apple events messages is listed in the Apple
Events Registry for each application, which is maintained by Apple.
SCRIPTS
Apple events can be generated by scripts, which are a series of statements sent
to applications that tell them to do a series of tasks. The scripting language is
provided by scripting software such as AppleScript. Scripts combine the scripting
language syntax with the standard Apple events terminology defined in the
Apple Events Registry.
SYSTEM-LEVEL SCRIPTING
Scripting software is developed specifically for script writing. It is more powerful
than scripting systems built into applications because it allows you to use one
scripting language to write scripts for any application that supports Apple events.
You can even write scripts to link applications that are Apple events-aware.
INTRODUCTION
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