A script consists of a series of statements that tell programs what to do step-by-step. When you run a script, AppleScript executes the statements to perform the task.

You write statements using the AppleScript language. The language consists of familiar words and phrases that resemble normal language. However, the words are actually special terms defined by AppleScript, the AppleScript scripting additions, and the programs you use. You can also define your own terms to use in your scripts.

Some of the terms are commands that tell programs what to do. Other terms, called "objects," describe the features of the program that the commands control. Still other terms, defined by AppleScript, let you specify the objects to control or control which statements of the script are performed.