Can I convert a command line script into a AppleScript?

Question

I have command in Terminal that I would like to put into an AppleScript file. Is this possible?

More info:
I'm using the following code to show hidden files. I type this on the command line in Terminal to make it work:

defaults write com.apple.finder AppleShowAllFiles -bool true
killAll Finder

I would like to convert this into an AppleScript file so I can double click on it and it will run sortof like a batch file in Windows.

UPDATE:
If there is a better option to use than a AppleScript file I would need to know how to run it from the command line in addition to double-clicking it.

possible duplicate of how to create AppleScript app to run a set of terminal commands — Paul R
– Paul R, Commented Mar 15, 2013 at 6:48

Paul R · Accepted Answer · 2013-03-15 06:37:55Z

5

Although it's quite easy to do, you don't need to convert this to AppleScript - just put the commands into a text file and save it on your Desktop as e.g. my_script.command (the .command suffix is the important part). Then make sure the file is executable:

$ chmod +x ~/Desktop/my_script.command

You now have a double-clickable executable script on your desktop.

answered Mar 15, 2013 at 6:37

Paul R

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4 Comments

1.21 gigawatts Over a year ago

Thanks Paul. I see. If it is not a scpt file then I also need to know is it possible to run this command from the command line?

Paul R Over a year ago

Yes, you can just run my_script.command from the command line. It's just a shell script with a special name that the Finder recognises but you can run it like you would any other shell script.

1.21 gigawatts Over a year ago

OK. How would you run any other shell script? Like sh my_script.sh? I would rename my_script.command to my_script.sh? I was planning for AppleScript but this could work well if its the same.

Paul R Over a year ago

You just invoke it by name, e.g. at the bash prompt: ~/Desktop/my_script.command, assuming you've saved it on the desktop.

Gordon Davisson · Accepted Answer · 2013-03-15 06:46:19Z

3

If you really need to put it in an AppleScript:

do shell script "defaults write com.apple.finder AppleShowAllFiles -bool true"
do shell script "killall Finder"

..but note that this will not be as easy to execute from the command line as a shell script would be (see @Paul R's answer).

answered Mar 15, 2013 at 6:46

Gordon Davisson

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1 Comment

1.21 gigawatts Over a year ago

Thanks Gordon. I might need to go this route depending on the situation.

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