How long to learn FrameScript?

[Rick Quatro]

Hi Steve,

This is a good question. First of all, let me say that, while I am currently 
using PC Frame, I have used FrameMaker under Mac, UNIX, and PC over the 
years, and still consider the Mac version the best of the three as far as 
user experience. It's true that Mac FrameScript is "stuck" at version 2 and 
will likely remain that way. However, FrameScript 2 is still very useful 
(and stable) for Mac FrameMaker automation. In fact, my FrameScript book was 
written for version 2 and is still selling, even though it was written in 
2002.

Here are some things that later versions of FrameScript (3 and above) added:

* The ability to interact with the file system (create folders, copy and 
move files, etc.).
* The ability to interact with databases using ODBC.
* New collection data types beyond string lists, integer lists, etc.
* The ability to use ActiveX objects to expand functionality (regular 
expressions, XML parsing, etc.)
* The ability to run scripts from a command line.

As you can see, these things allow greater integration of FrameMaker with 
Windows and other applications.

The greatest 3 or higher feature, in my opinion is the addition of Functions 
to FrameScript. Functions are similar to Subroutines in that they isolate 
functionality in callable blocks of code. However, Functions always return a 
value (even if it is NULL), and can be called "inline". For a simple 
example, here is a function the calculates square footage.

Function ReturnSquareFeet mHeight mWidth
//
Local Result(-1); // Result is the variable that the function returns.

// Make sure both parameters were passed to the function.
If Args.Count <> 2
  Write Console 'ReturnSquareFeet requires 2 arguments.';
  LeaveSub;
EndIf

Set Result = mHeight * mWidth;
//
EndFunc

Here is an example of how you can call this Function inline:

MsgBox 'The square footage is '+ReturnSquareFeet{150,200};

If you haven't done a lot of scripting, you may not see the significance of 
this, but having a library of reusable Functions is a great productivity 
boost when writing scripts.

You may wonder why I have focused on PC-only FrameScript features when you 
asked about Mac FrameScript 2. It is because I think you have to look at the 
big picture:

1) FrameMaker for Mac is officially stopped at 7.0 and only runs on Classic.
2) FrameMaker 8 is on the horizon.
3) It is easier than ever to run Windows on the Mac.
4) Windows performance on the Mac is gaining parity with PCs and native Mac 
applications.
5) FrameScript 4.1 gives you many more FrameMaker automation options.

If I were a Mac user faced with the choice to stay with Mac FrameMaker and 
FrameScript 2.0, or to use Windows FrameMaker and FrameScript 4.1, I would 
opt for the latter choice. Especially when now you don't have to give up 
your Mac or use a stand-alone PC to do so.

However, this is important: if you choose to stay with Mac FrameMaker, you 
will still increase your productivity with FrameScript 2.0, and it will pay 
for itself quickly.

If you have any other questions, please let me know.

Rick Quatro
Carmen Publishing
585-659-8267
www.frameexpert.com


> I have a parallel question, if I may, which is probably one for Rick.
>
> FrameScript for Apple Mac still exists but is locked into a version two 
> major releases behind the current one (2 vs. 4). My question is whether 
> FrameScript 2 can do useful things and is worth bothering about, or 
> whether Mac FrameMaker users interested in FrameSCript should wait until 
> the entire Mac/FrameMaker thing is resolved by virtualization, emulation, 
> sidegrade or whatever.
>
> -- 
> Steve
> _______________________________________________