Chapter 4. Basic Concepts

This chapter explains how AppleScript works. Its purpose is to provide you with a mental picture of what's really going on when you use AppleScript. It also acts as a kind of glossary, defining the basic terms and concepts needed for an understanding of AppleScript, but the concepts are presented in an expository order rather than alphabetically.

All subsequent chapters will presuppose some familiarity with the terms and concepts presented in this chapter. You don't have to grasp everything immediately, and you don't need to read every section with equal care. But you should at least skim this chapter in order to get your conceptual bearings. You can always come back later and reread a section if you need a refresher on the details.