I got this book after a fellow Rubyist recommended it for learning enough AppleScript to mix it with Ruby for OS X development.
As always, it's a good idea to have more than one book or reference, but this one covers most of it.
The beginning is long and slow going, but really makes a HUGE difference in understanding what's going on with AppleScript later.
If you have ever even toyed with cocoa, xcode and interface builder, you'll already understand what's happening with script bundles and such.
You'll benefit greatly from this book if you're already a Ruby or Perl user.
Let's just say that AppleScript on its own is pretty rough stuff. Combined with another scripting language like Ruby, Perl or Python (all of which are bundled with OS X) you can use AppleScript for what you have to or need to and still use friendlier languages to make things happen.
If only Ruby or Perl or Python could do these things on their own with out any AppleScript...
I digress, Mr. Neuberg does a pretty outstanding job here and writes in a style that is readable and intelligible.
When he tells you to stop and go read Appendix A, the sort of day-in-the-life-cycle of AppleScript development, READ IT.
It is without doubt, the single most important part of the book. It really gives you a solid, realistic set of expectations of life in the land of applescript.
It is pretty much a hack-it-as-you-go language.
Rubyists, Pythonistas, and Perl People will be on good footing here.
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