Newbie question about MACROS

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Nigel
Posts: 2
Joined: 2005-11-08 03:25:36
Location: Shropshire UK

Newbie question about MACROS

Post by Nigel »

:D Hello! Nice to be with you all as a new Nisus registree!

Can anyone point me to a good MACRO tutorial for Express? I find the scant built-in help a little lacking.

I've no interest in learning PERL. I'd just like to get to grips with simple MACROS.

For example on the "other" platform I've recently moved from (!) I would use WordPerfect, and to record a MACRO set "Record" from the menu, type in what was required, then "Stop Recording" and "Save". I could then run the MACRO or set a toolbar button or keystroke etc.

I understand I have to write my own script in NISUS but find the included instructions don't encourage me much!

A simple one I'd start with would be my address for e.g. (I know I could draw up a template but...)

Any guidance or links would be much appreciated.

Many thanks!
:D
Anyone can have "attitude" it needs thought to have an opinion.
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dshan
Posts: 334
Joined: 2003-11-21 19:25:28
Location: Sydney, Australia

Macros

Post by dshan »

Try reading the info on macros in the NWX User Guide. There is no automatic method of recording actions to create macros a la Applescript, Nisus Writer Classic, etc. with Nisus Writer Express, you have to code them yourself using Perl or Applescript. Thus you have to know something about either or both these scripting languages, though you don't need to be an expert in them to create basic macros. I'd advise you to start by learning basic Perl using the multitude of info available on the web about it.

There are sample Nisus macros in the macro folder (accessable via the Macro menu in NWX) that combined with the info in the User Guide "Customizing and Automating Solutions" section will help you get started.
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Nigel
Posts: 2
Joined: 2005-11-08 03:25:36
Location: Shropshire UK

Post by Nigel »

Thanks for taking the time to reply - Much appreciated! :D

Ah, so there's not what I was hoping for then? Not to worry - I take your advice on board. So I have to bone-up on Perl or AppleScript...

I guess I'm just trying to use my "old" methodology and transfering it. Though for my usage maybe a template will do ...

Otherwise I'm really enjoying getting to grips :D
Anyone can have "attitude" it needs thought to have an opinion.
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Ryan
Posts: 211
Joined: 2005-01-31 14:36:45
Location: Portland, OR
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Post by Ryan »

Macro recording would be pretty sweet. But in the meantime, I recommend you have a quick look at the things you can do with AppleScript. Writing in that script feels almost like you're writing in plain English.

Can you really write NWE macros in AppleScript rather than Perl? If so, I should look into that.
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dshan
Posts: 334
Joined: 2003-11-21 19:25:28
Location: Sydney, Australia

Post by dshan »

Ryan wrote: Can you really write NWE macros in AppleScript rather than Perl? If so, I should look into that.
Not "rather than" but "as well as". You can't use Applescript in place of Perl for NWX macros, but you can use Applescript to automate various NWX functions that you can't do in Perl (and vice versa). Read the Users Guide for the details and some examples.
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dshan
Posts: 334
Joined: 2003-11-21 19:25:28
Location: Sydney, Australia

Post by dshan »

Ryan wrote: Can you really write NWE macros in AppleScript rather than Perl? If so, I should look into that.
Not "rather than" but "as well as". You can't use Applescript in place of Perl for NWX macros, but you can use Applescript to automate various NWX functions that you can't do in Perl (and vice versa). Read the Users Guide for the details and some examples.
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Ryan
Posts: 211
Joined: 2005-01-31 14:36:45
Location: Portland, OR
Contact:
Contact Ryan

Post by Ryan »

Now you're telling me to read the User Guide! Pshaw!

Thanks for the info. I'm pulling out the dusty ol' digital tome right now.
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