JavaScript OSA
Encyclopedia
JavaScript OSA, is a freeware
inter-process communication
scripting language
for the Macintosh computer.
JavaScript OSA uses the "core language" of the Mozilla
implementation of the JavaScript
programming language
, (see SpiderMonkey
). The language is used as an alternative to the AppleScript
language. Its use is unrelated to web browser
-based scripting. It can be seen as having a similar function to Microsoft
's JScript .NET
language on Windows machines, although there is no interoperability between the two languages' system-level scripting.
. This is done via the AppleEvent messaging system, a part of the Macintosh's Open Scripting Architecture.
The language was first released in 2001, and was bundled with Late Night Software
's flagship product, Script Debugger
. In May 2005, a new "alpha" version of the language was made available for testing. This improved second version of the language was bundled with version 4 of Script Debugger.
Freeware
Freeware is computer software that is available for use at no cost or for an optional fee, but usually with one or more restricted usage rights. Freeware is in contrast to commercial software, which is typically sold for profit, but might be distributed for a business or commercial purpose in the...
inter-process communication
Inter-process communication
In computing, Inter-process communication is a set of methods for the exchange of data among multiple threads in one or more processes. Processes may be running on one or more computers connected by a network. IPC methods are divided into methods for message passing, synchronization, shared...
scripting language
Scripting language
A scripting language, script language, or extension language is a programming language that allows control of one or more applications. "Scripts" are distinct from the core code of the application, as they are usually written in a different language and are often created or at least modified by the...
for the Macintosh computer.
JavaScript OSA uses the "core language" of the Mozilla
Mozilla
Mozilla is a term used in a number of ways in relation to the Mozilla.org project and the Mozilla Foundation, their defunct commercial predecessor Netscape Communications Corporation, and their related application software....
implementation of the JavaScript
JavaScript
JavaScript is a prototype-based scripting language that is dynamic, weakly typed and has first-class functions. It is a multi-paradigm language, supporting object-oriented, imperative, and functional programming styles....
programming language
Programming language
A programming language is an artificial language designed to communicate instructions to a machine, particularly a computer. Programming languages can be used to create programs that control the behavior of a machine and/or to express algorithms precisely....
, (see SpiderMonkey
SpiderMonkey
SpiderMonkey is the code name for the first-ever JavaScript engine, written by Brendan Eich at Netscape Communications, later released as open source and now maintained by the Mozilla Foundation.-History:Eich "wrote JavaScript in ten days" in 1995,...
). The language is used as an alternative to the AppleScript
AppleScript
AppleScript is a scripting language created by Apple Inc. and built into Macintosh operating systems since System 7. The term "AppleScript" may refer to the scripting system itself, or to particular scripts that are written in the AppleScript language....
language. Its use is unrelated to web browser
Web browser
A web browser is a software application for retrieving, presenting, and traversing information resources on the World Wide Web. An information resource is identified by a Uniform Resource Identifier and may be a web page, image, video, or other piece of content...
-based scripting. It can be seen as having a similar function to Microsoft
Microsoft
Microsoft Corporation is an American public multinational corporation headquartered in Redmond, Washington, USA that develops, manufactures, licenses, and supports a wide range of products and services predominantly related to computing through its various product divisions...
's JScript .NET
JScript .NET
JScript .NET is a .NET programming language developed by Microsoft as a natural successor to Microsoft's Active Scripting language JScript, which, in turn, started life as an implementation of JavaScript....
language on Windows machines, although there is no interoperability between the two languages' system-level scripting.
Description
The language is identical to Mozilla's core language, with extensions added via a "Core" object and a "MacOS" object. The MacOS object has methods for obtaining objects that are bound to applicationsApplication software
Application software, also known as an application or an "app", is computer software designed to help the user to perform specific tasks. Examples include enterprise software, accounting software, office suites, graphics software and media players. Many application programs deal principally with...
. This is done via the AppleEvent messaging system, a part of the Macintosh's Open Scripting Architecture.
The language was first released in 2001, and was bundled with Late Night Software
Late Night Software
Late Night Software Ltd., is a privately held Canadian software company that has produced several applications, utilities, and developer's tools for the Macintosh computer platform. The company was established in 1995. Its president is Mark Alldritt....
's flagship product, Script Debugger
Script Debugger
Script Debugger is a Macintosh computer source code editor and debugging environment for the AppleScript programming language, and other languages based on Apple Inc.'s Open Scripting Architecture...
. In May 2005, a new "alpha" version of the language was made available for testing. This improved second version of the language was bundled with version 4 of Script Debugger.