One of my projects over the past few weeks has been to optimize and customize my new Mac Mini so that I can get everything I want from it.
I do love the thing, but there are several areas where I “wish” an application would work differently. Or, where I find myself doing a lot of repetitive work which I think must have some way of being automated.
I’ve played around with AI, with AppleScript, with Automations and Shortcuts, as well as diving deep into forums seeking advice.
Occasionally, I learn I can tweak a setting, install an app or use an extension to get what I want. More often, I find that what I’m looking for cannot be done because of the OS, by the closed-wall environment, or by intentional design from Apple.
I can deal with that. I use my own workarounds and adjust my practices accordingly. Nothing’s perfect.
So my latest deep dive was taking an online course in AppleScript. I wanted to learn more about how this programming language can be used to manipulate the system and data at a level deeper than the general user settings and preferences.
I got a general intro to AppleScript, the language and coding standards, and wrote a couple of basic scripts – nothing I will use other than for learning the basics.
After this course, the more advanced courses are fee based. That’s when I paid attention to the website and realized it had not been updated since 2014!
Why?
Because AppleScript is no longer part of Apple’s future. It hasn’t been for a decade apparently. They are letting it slowly die on the vine.
So I won’t be taking any more courses on it. The books I found are all out of date. Most websites are either defunct or haven’t been updated in years.
There are a few other options I’ve discovered:
- I could learn Python (and other languages I assume) and develop my own Apps.
- I can lean on ShortCuts, which is Apple’s more user-friendly, but limited, replacement for automations and customizations.
- I can live with the system the way Apple designed it.
I’ll be doing #2 and #3.
I have zero interest in getting deep into coding or writing Apps. If AI gets to the point where I can play with it and easily vibe code, I revisit it then. For now, I’m generally quite satisfied.
Taking the course was fun though. I enjoy learning how things work beneath the surface and getting a broad understanding of the system.
Actually, that’s been my approach to learning almost anything since I retired in 2019. Something piques my interest – usually because I am curious or I’m try to solve a current problem. I do a little online research. I play around and make some attempts at McGuyvering things. I’ll some books, forums and web content. Sometimes, I’ll take a course.
Usually, by the time I reach a baseline of understanding or ability, that’s good enough for me.
So now, I’m looking for some more learning projects to add to my list. Life has a way of presenting those to me – whether I am looking for them or not.