Running an Automator file

[Mag]

Is it possible to run/launch an Automator .workflow file from within LC? ... and how?

[Mark]

Hi,

Use AppleScript for this:

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tell application "Automator Launcher"
   open "/path/to/file.workflow"
end tell

Kind regards,

Mark

[Mag]

Thank you Mike!

You won two more questions, test your knowledge...

1. And to run an applescript file?
2. Is there differences by run an external AS file and run a AS script from a contained with the command Do as applescript? (I know this one it's a bit naif)

[Mark]

Hi,

My name is not Mike. Unfortunately, I don't know your name, that's why I don't include it in the salutation.

You don't need to run an AppleScript file. Just paste the script in a field or store it in a custom property and execute it with

Code: Select all

do fld "AppleScript" as AppleScript

or

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do the cAppleScript of me as AppleScript

If you really want to execute a file, there are a few options. You can save the AppleScript file as an app and launch the app from within LiveCode with the launch command. You can also save the file as a script and run the syntax

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put "/path/to/file.scpt" into myPath
put "set myScript to (POSIX file" && quote & myPath & quote && ") as alias" & cr & \
  "run script myScript" into myAppleScript
  do myAppleScript as AppleScript

Unfortunately, you still need to store a script in a field or customer property this way. An advantage, however, might be that you don't need to store the script each time when you change it.

You can also use the shell to execute the script:

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put "/path/to/file.scpt" into myPath
put "osascript -e" && quote & myPath & quote into myShell
get shell(myShell)

Kind regards,

Mark

[Mag]

Hi Mark, sorry for the typo, I think an auto-correction issue. I know your name and also I own your book on LiveCode

Thank you so much for your post very comprehensive (as usual). I think I will go with the way to save the file as a script and run the first syntax you suggested.

I know there are thee formats for an applescript file, if somebody know more, please post here, thank you.
.applescript
.scpt
.scptd

[Mag]

Hi,

Use AppleScript for this:

Code: Select all

tell application "Automator Launcher"
   open "/path/to/file.workflow"
end tell

Kind regards,

Mark

There must be something that I'm wrong...

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tell application "Automator Launcher"
	open "/Users/fire/Desktop/OpenPreferences.workflow"
end tell

[Mark]

Hi Mag,

That surprised me. However, you can make an Automator app with exactly the same steps as a workflow. Just choose Application instead of Workflow when the dialog appears. Save the "flow" as application and just start the app like a normal app (launch "/path/to/new_application.app"). Does that work for you?

Mark

[Mag]

I Mark, maybe it's a new security limitation of Mavericks. Thank you for the workaround, This is a much less versatile solution so I will evaluate whether to include it or not.