Learning how to build AppleScripts

There are numerous ways to control Softron applications. Some applications support MIDI, most support a HTTP REST API, and most Softron applications support AppleScripts as well. AppleScript is an easy language to work with and create automations. You can either:

• from a Softron application, trigger an AppleScript under a specific case, which will control another software, for example control OnTheAir CG from OntheAir Video to overlay graphics on top of video, or GPICommander to pulse an output. But you could also do many other things, send an email, etc... This is done using what we call "Action". 
• from another application (From Softron or third party), send an AppleScript to a Softron application to ask it to do something.

Sample AppleScripts

A good start is to use the sample AppleScripts that are provided on the products download pages, such as the one for OnTheAir Video, where you can see in the "Useful resources" section.

These sample AppleScripts will help you taking your first steps in writing AppleScripts, but if you want to go further, there are many resources for learning about AppleScript, among which:

• One of the first places to go is the documentation from Apple.
• Search the web. There are some interesting articles around. A few examples:
  • https://developer.apple.com/forums/thread/3412
  • https://computers.tutsplus.com/tutorials/the-ultimate-beginners-guide-to-applescript--mac-3436
  • http://macosxautomation.com/training/applescript/index.html

Getting the "Dictionary"

Also, you can easily see the various Commands that each application provides is to view the "Dictionary," associated with each application. Do this, you have two choices:

• drag and drop the application (like OnTheAir Video) on the Script Editor Application
• In the Script Editor application, go to File>Open Dictionary. Scroll down the list of applications, click on the application and hit “OK.”