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Opal Feature Requests

I finally got my first request to add AppleScript support to Opal. This is something that's obviously valuable for some people, and doesn't get in the way of people who don't need it. So it's been on my list of possible enhancements.

But I don't get the sense that a lot of people are interested. Is that the case?

I don't write scripts and I hardly use pre-created ones. I think most people are like that, actually.

Although I agree with Mr. F. H. that many people do not use AppleScripts, those who do use them with a vengeance!

What are Mr. Dunham’s plans for Opal? Does he plan to make it a major application, perhaps a contender for OmniOutliner’s throne? (OmniOutliner is not perfect, but it has a large following, active development, and lots of support.)

Most “major applications” thrive on AppleScript support. A “major application” almost has to have AppleScript support just as it has to have a fancy 3D icon—users expect it. :-_

Power users extend application functionality with scripts, which can then be donated back to the community. For instance, a decent AppleScripter (not me!) could write AppleScripts to create a workflow to transfer Opal outlines back and forth between Mac and Palm, or update a Web site. One could even use an AppleScript to “sync” Opal files with a Web service that could then be accessed and modified from an Apple iPhone. I do not think that any of these are functions that Mr. Dunham had considered when coding Opal, but they could be added using AppleScript.

Those are my thoughts. Mr. Dunham has to think of his audience (and of his own time) in making this decision. However, I do not think anyone can predict what power AppleScript support might add to Opal until it is done.

Best wishes,
Clint

He sez "transfer Opal outlines back and forth between Mac and Palm" ... oooh, I like that. 

I have been putting off getting into AppleScript on a serious level for a long time but scripting Opal would be a highly motivating factor.  Scripting rocks.  I used to do HyperTalk (HyperCard scripting); in about 1991 I rescued a horribly deformed database project by building a HyperCard front end, and it's still in use (!!!!) 

Anyway, I think it's a fine idea.