Learning AppleScript with Helix is a self-paced training course designed to assist you in the process of learning AppleScript, and learning it with Helix RADE as the focal point. Learning AppleScript with Helix is designed to help you learn AppleScript faster by focusing on the parts of the language that matter most to a Helix user.

The first lessons teach the basics of AppleScript by teaching you to interact with User Mode. Available since the 1990s, User Mode interaction has previously been supported only by third party applications such as the Helix Scripting application, which is included in the Helix RADE Readiness Kit for those who want to get a jump on the process. (Helix Scripting was recently acquired by QSA ToolWorks and is included in Helix 6.2.)

Later lessons change the focus to Design Mode scripting, which is coming to Helix for the first time ever in Helix 6.2. Lessons show how to use AppleScript to accomplish tasks in a fraction of the time it took in the old days of opening and closing windows, clicking and dragging rectangles. With Learning AppleScript with Helix, not only will you learn how to making changes to your own collections faster than ever, but you will be getting leading edge information about scripting Helix, as Design Mode scripting evolves in the coming months.

This training course comes in ‘newsletter’ format — new lessons are published bi-monthly — with each lesson being presented in article form. Each publication includes 4–6 articles, providing parallel courses of study. There are also articles of related interest, making each publication a unique hybrid training course/newsletter.

Featured Lessons:

• Getting Started: the Setup: Our checklist for setting up an effective AppleScript environment.
• Establishing Style in AppleScript: A little basic instruction, with tips for developing a consistent style when writing scripts.
• AppleScript and the Finder: Learn AppleScript by scripting the Finder: is that such a good idea?
• User Mode Scripting: How to move data in and out of Helix.
• Automating Processes: Learn to create scripts that run ‘on demand’ or on timed intervals, with our without user interaction.
• Understanding Objects: Under the calm surface of a Helix collection is a sea of object oriented code. Learn what they are and how they interact to make Helix unique.
• Design Mode Scripting: Dissect each Helix icon type and learn how to create and modify them via scripting.
• Questions and Answers: Answers to your questions.

There’s also an interactive forum where the articles can be discussed in greater detail, additional scripts showing advanced techniques, discounts on related products, and more.

The 2011 edition of Learning AppleScript with Helix — six bi-monthly issues with 4–6 lessons per issue — is $49.00 USD. This price includes access to the interactive forum, additional scripts, etc.

For those who want more, the Helix RADE Readiness Kit combines the 2011 edition of Learning AppleScript with Helix with additional software and free technical support.

Log in to the QSA Web Store to purchase these items.

The Learning AppleScript with Helix self-paced training makes frequent reference to two books in particular: Apple Training Series: AppleScript 1-2-3 by Sal Soghoian and AppleScript, the Definitive Guide by Matt Neuburg. Our articles cross-reference sections in those books that correspond with material.

Clicking on a link on the right takes you to Amazon.com where you can purchase them (along with other AppleScript or Helix related titles that you might find helpful) and support QSA ToolWorks at the same time.