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HyperTalk 2.2: The Book
by Dan Winkler, Scot Kamins, & Jeanne DeVoto

HyperTalk 2.2: The Book is a complete and exhaustive reference to the HyperTalk scripting language for Apple Computer's HyperCard development environment. It is intended and structured as an introduction to HyperTalk, and as a programmer's bookshelf reference to all elements of the language.

If you're just beginning to use HyperCard and you have not yet started writing scripts, one of the intro books for HyperCard will probably be a better choice for you right now. However, if you are a scripter at any level from beginner to expert, you'll want this book sooner or later.

HyperTalk 2.2: The Book covers:

• Details on every HyperTalk language element, including all the new features added in version 2.1 and 2.2 - AppleScript support, the HyperCard Player, standalone applications, and tools for networked HyperCard applications.
• The formal syntax for HyperTalk.
• The exact forms, uses, limitations, and quirks of every word in HyperTalk's native vocabulary, including some that used to be "for Apple eyes only".
• Complete notes about the version history of each HyperTalk element.
• Hundreds of new example scripts that demonstrate innovative and powerful uses for every command, function, property, and message in the language.
• The bugs and limitations in HyperCard and the HyperCard Player, and how to get around them.
• Hints on boosting performance.

Table of Contents

• Chapter 0: Rationales, Histories, and Guides

Part I: Scripting in HyperTalk

• Chapter 1: The Basics of HyperTalk
• Chapter 2: Writing and Debugging Scripts
• Chapter 3: Style, Memory, and Performance
• Chapter 4: Using XCMDs, XFCNs, and Resources
• Chapter 5: AppleScript and AppleEvents
• Chapter 6: Standalones, CD-ROM, and Multiuser Stacks

Part II: HyperTalk Reference

• Chapter 7: Referring to Objects
• Chapter 8: Sources of Value, Containers, and Chunks
• Chapter 9: Expressions and Operators
• Chapter 10: Messages and the Message Order

Part III: The Elements of HyperTalk

Each command, function, property, message, and keyword is described, with syntax, examples, description, and version information.

Part IV: Appendixes

• Appendix A: ASCII Chart
• Appendix B: Boundaries and Limits
• Appendix C: HyperTalk Error Messages
• Appendix D: Formal Syntax Description
• Appendix E: The Translator Interface

Oops

The errata list contains all known errors in HyperTalk 2.2: The Book. (If you have found an error that is not listed here, please let me know.)

Jeanne A. E. DeVoto jaed@jaedworks.com