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AppleScript

What are AppleScript handlers and how can they be used to automate tasks?

If you’re interested in AppleScript and want to take your skills to the next level, learning about AppleScript Handlers is a great place to start.

Handlers are essential for creating reusable code and making your scripts more efficient.

Getting Started

AppleScript Handlers are for anyone who wants to automate tasks on their Mac.

Whether you’re a developer, a power user, or just someone who wants to automate repetitive tasks, AppleScript Handlers can help you achieve your goals.

How to

  1. Define a handler by using the “on” keyword followed by the name of the handler and any parameters it may take.
  2. Write the code for the handler, which will be executed every time the handler is called.
  3. Call the handler by using its name and any necessary parameters.

Best Practices

  • Use descriptive names for your handlers to make them easy to understand.
  • Keep your handlers short and focused on a single task.
  • Use comments to explain what your handlers do and how to use them.
  • Test your handlers thoroughly to make sure they work as expected.

Examples

Let’s say you have a folder on your desktop with a bunch of files that you need to rename.

You could write a script that renames each file one at a time, but that would be time-consuming and inefficient.

Instead, you could use a handler to automate the process:

You: Hey Siri, open Script Editor.

Siri: Script Editor is open.

You: Create a new script.

Siri: A new script window is open.

You: Type “on renameFiles(folder)” to define the handler.

on renameFiles(folder)
  tell application "Finder"
    set fileList to every file of folder
    repeat with aFile in fileList
      set fileName to name of aFile
      set name of aFile to "new_" & fileName
    end repeat
  end tell
end renameFiles

You: Type “renameFiles(choose folder)” to call the handler.

renameFiles(choose folder)

Siri: The script is executed and the chosen folder’s files are renamed with “new_” prefix.

As you can see, using a handler can make your code more efficient and easier to read.

With a little practice, you can start using handlers to automate all sorts of tasks on your Mac.
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