Frequently Asked Questions

• I can't seem to get JavaScript applets and droplets to work, what's wrong?
• How does JavaScript OSA relate to JavaScript running in Microsoft Internet Explorer or Netscape Navigator?
• Where is the debugger?
• How are spaces in dictionary terms handled?
• Can I use JavaScript OSA with Script Debugger 1.0?

I can't seem to get JavaScript applets and droplets to work, what's wrong?

JavaScript OSA requires a larger minimum amount of memory than AppleScript to operate. Apple's Script Editor assigns a default memory partition of 200K to the applets and droplets it creates. This low memory problem can cause applets and droplets to report that they cannot connect to the scripting system when launched.

When using JavaScript OSA, increase the memory parition to at least 500K.

If you are using our Script Debugger 2 product, the default memory partition for applets and droplets is 500K, and you can increase this using the New Script Defaults panel of the Preferences dialog box.

How does JavaScript OSA relate to JavaScript running in Microsoft Internet Explorer or Netscape Navigator?

JavaScript OSA is a completely separate version of JavaScript running independently from any Web browser. JavaScript OSA is intended for system-level scripting rather than Web programming, though you can use JavaScript OSA to develop JavaScript code for later deployment over the web.

Where is the debugger?

We don't have a JavaScript Debugging facility ready for release at this time. Depending on how JavaScript OSA is received, we may introduce debugging support into the next major release of Script Debugger after version 2.0. We are also waiting for Apple to define a debugging API within its Open Scripting Architecture (OSA).

How are spaces in dictionary terms handled?

JavaScript OSA converts spaces in application dictionary terms to underscores (_). Note also that JavaScript, unlike AppleScript, is case sensitive, so you must use the correct case when using application terms. Please refer to the MacOS.AEClass documentation for further information.

Can I use JavaScript OSA with Script Debugger?

Yes, Script Debugger 2.0 supports JavaScript OSA and any other OSA language (Script Debugger 1.0 did not support OSA languages other than AppleScript).