Reference Library
Scripting & Automation Fundamentals contains essential information for script writers about scripting features and capabilities in Mac OS X. Application developers can find essential information on making applications scriptable, calling other scriptable applications, and supporting workflow automation. System administrators, developers, and other users can find essential information on automate repetitive computing tasks using scripts and Automator actions.

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Shell Scripting Primer (HTML) (PDF)
A guided tour of (Bourne) shell scripting, including control structures, numerical computation, regular expressions, subroutines, and error handling.
2008-04-08
Cocoa Scripting Guide (HTML) (PDF)
Explains how to create scriptable Cocoa applications that use the scripting definition (sdef) format.
2008-03-11
Apple JavaScript Coding Guidelines (HTML) (PDF)
Provides an overview of the JavaScript language, its object-oriented features, and coding best practices.
2008-01-15
Web Kit DOM Reference (HTML)
Describes the API for accessing the Web Kit's Document Object Model.
2008-01-15
Automator Programming Guide (HTML) (PDF)
Describes the concepts and tasks for developing actions, which are bundles loaded by the Automator application.
2007-12-11
AppleScript Overview (HTML) (PDF)
Introduces the technology for writing scripts to control applications. Useful for scripters and application developers.
2007-10-31
System Startup Programming Topics (HTML) (PDF)
Explains the boot process used to initialize the Mac OS X operating system.
2007-02-08
AppleScript Studio Programming Guide (HTML) (PDF)
Explains how to create script-driven applications with complex user interfaces based on Cocoa UI classes. Includes tutorials.
2006-04-04
Dashboard Tutorial (HTML) (PDF)
Explains how to develop a Dashboard widget.
2006-01-10