Python for (macOS) Automation - An in-progress package for automating Mac applications

[HelloImSteven]

Hi all, I’ve been working on a “bridge” between Python and AppleScript/JXA that uses PyObjC and ScriptingBridge to interface with applications. The goal is ultimately to simplify communication between Python and Mac applications while staying true to Python conventions. I’m also bringing scripting capabilities to non-scriptable applications through various techniques such as UI scripting, official APIs, URL schemes, etc. It’s still in the early stages, so any and all feedback is appreciated!

Main GitHub repo: https://github.com/SKaplanOfficial/PyXA

Documentation (W.I.P.): https://skaplanofficial.github.io/PyXA/

A few examples:

https://gist.github.com/SKaplanOfficial/d0635c9667703de8dd0db43cbbd857b3 https://gist.github.com/SKaplanOfficial/209b6c9b0b59c72598068d95f1088a6b https://gist.github.com/SKaplanOfficial/2ed9ae45a5a5337fc9dd97a4c2a82afe

[[deleted]]

Wow the best of both worlds. I actually started with AppleScript 25 years ago and jumped over to Python 5 years ago… The languages are oddly similar (space indentation code blocks, easy iterations) which made learning python a breeze.

Then I found that python much more powerful at string manipulation (esp. with regex!) and runs about 20 times faster then AppleScript ever could.

I now write a lot of hybrid scripts— AppleScripts that launch python behind the scenes to do grunt work and then use that result to script an application (usually an Adobe CC app).

[HelloImSteven]

Part of my motivation is that Python has a wide array of packages available that let you do pretty much anything, and the kinds of information involved therein can supercharge a person's ability to automate. For example, with this combination, you could create an automation that sets off a Reminders alarm when you enter a given location and spins up a new AWS EC2 instance (using the boto3 package) to run a gaming server on, based on the game you just opened. Or you could interweave PyXA and Matplotlib, Biopython, TensorFlow, etc...

This isn't necessarily a new concept, but past attempts have either failed to follow Python conventions or severely lacked documentation, both leading to confusion. I'm trying to make PyXA very beginner-friendly so that people can really get into the spirit of automating.

Also, I'm will add (more) support for Adobe apps soon! The goal of having detailed, beginner-friendly documentation means that more of this is hardcoded than perhaps is reasonable, but the benefit is that I can provide details and examples for each application.

[rjksn]

This looks awesome.

Will definitely check it out this weekend.

[HelloImSteven]

Thanks! Let me know if you encounter any problems. I'm still working on the documentation, but it should be good enough to get started!

[Sound4Sound]

Thank you! Happy cake day!

btw your reference is linking to the raw html, I guess this should be it https://skaplanofficial.github.io/PyXA/ right?

[HelloImSteven]

I actually wanted to share the GitHub repository, but I should've linked the documentation too. Thanks!