JavaScript for Automation (JXA) Resources

JXA Resources

Revised: 2019-11-28 16:16 GMT-6

This is a list of the key resources I have found useful. If you know of others, please post in a comment below, and I will add to this list.

I have tried to order this list in the order that, to me, is best for learning JXA from scratch. We all learn a bit diferently, so adjust to suit your style/needs. Please post if you have suggestions on learning JXA.

• I like starting with the videos in the Introduction.
• You won't be able to understand or remember everything the first time through, but it should help to give you the big picture, and maybe a few concepts.
• After you have read some of the other references, and played around with JXA for a while, you may find it worthwhile to view the video's again -- I picked up a lot more my second viewing.
• The same thing goes for the Apple Release Notes. These will be much more meaningful the 2nd or 3rd time you read them (at least it was for me)
• I am still learning JXA, just like you. So please feel free to post any suggestions/corrections that you may have.

Important Requirements

• You must be running at least macOS Yosemite (10.10.3) to use JXA
• It is best to be running macOS El Capitan (10.11.6) or later, since a number of JXA bug fixes and enhancements were made.

Introduction

Official Apple Reference

1. Mac Automation Scripting Guide -- AppleScript & JXA, 2016-06-13
2. JXA Release Notes in Yosemite 10.10, 2014-10-17
3. JXA Release Notes in El Capitan 10.11, 2015-09-16
4. AppleScript Language Guide
   • Although this guide provides examples in AppleScript, almost all of the concepts and commands also apply to JXA.
   • Use this guide as needed to obtain more insight into Mac automation via scripting
5. Scripting Reference Forms
   • This is one section of the guide that applies fully to both AppleScript and JXA, just a difference in syntax.

Debugging

Getting Started

Third Party Reference

1. JXA Cookbook Wiki, Started 2014-10-28, by Thai Pangsakulyanont (dtinth) and others.

Using JXA with Objective-C and Cocoa

User Forums with Topics on JXA

JavaScript Resources

Although the focus here is JXA, clearly a good knowledge of the core JavaScript is essential. So here's my list: