Framemaker SDK and Framescript

[Combs, Richard]

Brewster, Christopher C wrote: 
 
> I'm a long-time Word user and have written countless large and small
> programs with Word VBA. Many are to add functionality to the program
and
> many others are to perform such tasks as format conversion. I'm
unclear
> if there's an equivalent for Framemaker. I'd like to hear from users
of
> the SDK and Framescript. Are these meant for the kind of modest
> extensions that people create with VBA, and how much effort is needed
> for a typical addition? What's kind of learning curve do these have,
and
> how long does it typically take a non-genius to gain a usable level of
> skill? Thanks for any advice.

The SDK requires C programming skills, but FrameScript provides a
scripting-language front-end that even I can do useful things with. To
get a sense of what FrameScript script-writing is like, check out the
free tutorials at www.FrameExpert.com. 

But since you're proficient with VBA, you should probably look into
FrameAC. I haven't used this less-well-known scripting environment for
FM, but understand the capabilities are similar to FrameScript's, and
you can write scripts in VBScript. Check it out here: 

www.mekon.com/index.php/pages/knowledge_zone/frameac/products/technologi
es/create 

Of course, whatever tool you use, FM and Word have fundamental
differences, and you'll have to learn the FM DOM. 

HTH!
Richard


Richard G. Combs
Senior Technical Writer
Polycom, Inc.
richardDOTcombs AT polycomDOTcom
303-223-5111
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rgcombs AT gmailDOTcom
303-777-0436
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