AppleScript editor cannot save .scpt file

applescriptfile

I've created a simple AppleScript .scpt file, using TextEdit.

If I now open it with AppleScript editor, I can run it. But when I try to modify and save it, I get the following error:

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It's frustrating that such a basic operation has got me completely stuck.

What is going wrong?

Best Answer

This is happening because .scpt extension is used for compiled scripts, just use .applescript extension and it will work just file.

Yet another example of the stupid coded error messages.

AppleScript Requires a GUI (Aqua Session)

If your AppleScript is launched using launchd as a user root process, it will not have a graphical user interface associated. The majority of AppleScript requires a graphic user interface to work consistently. Depending on the version of OS X, it may work, but it is not designed to.

Processes on OS X can not trivially cross between user sessions.

Do Shell Script

A more robust approach is to separate out the functionality needing higher privileges into a shell script such as bash, perl, ruby, or python.

Your AppleScript can then call that script using AppleScript's do shell script:

do shell script "command" user name "me" password "mypassword" with administrator privileges

If you need to avoid embedding a username and password, this is possible but beyond the scope of this question.

Best Answer

Related Solutions

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MacOS – How to run AppleScript (.scpt) as LaucnDaemon by root

AppleScript Requires a GUI (Aqua Session)

Do Shell Script

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