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CallHelix 2.1.2 | ©1999-2008 Autograph Systems |
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CallHelix 2.1.2 | ©1999-2008 Autograph Systems |
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CallHelix is a AppleScript Scripting Additon (aka "OSAX") that enables you to manipulate data within a Helix database using the AppleScript scripting language. Records in a Helix database can be added, retrieved, and deleted through the users & views that are already designed into a collection. No special programming within Helix is required.
Helix is a powerful relational database program for the MacOS. In these pages, Helix refers to the Helix RADE, Helix Server, and Helix Engine database products which are owned by QSA Toolworks, LLC. CallHelix also works with the older "Helix Express" products versions 3.7.1 and higher, but those products are no longer officially supported.
External Access to a Helix Collection is provided via Apple Events. With this set of calls, an external application can send, receive, and delete records in a Helix Collection. It is important to note that Helix cannot send Apple Events; it can only receive them. As such, external access is controlled totally by the external application. CallHelix provides an AppleScript based link to the Apple Events in Helix.
AppleScript is software that allows you to automate tasks on your computer. For example, you can write an AppleScript to automatically empty the Trash, or to add an alias to the Apple menu. Using AppleScript's English-like commands, you describe the task, then save it as a "script" file. For more information, see AppleScript Help in the Finder's Help menu.
When you tell your computer to do a task by choosing a menu command, for example, the operating system and applications on your computer talk to each other using a messaging tool called Apple Events. Apple Events transfer information, commands, and requests between applications, networks, and the Mac OS - much like we use phone calls, pagers, or e-mail to communicate with each other.
When you send an AppleScript message, the operating system converts the script's instructions into Apple Events messages, then sends the events to the indicated applications where the instructions are executed.
To learn more about AppleScript and how to use it, choose Help Center from the Finder's Help menu, then click AppleScript Help. AppleScript Help contains an overview of new AppleScript features, as well as background information and instructions on how to use AppleScript.
You can also find detailed AppleScript information, tutorials, scripts, and links to other resources on the AppleScript Web site: http://www.apple.com/applescript/
Access to a Helix collection through CallHelix requires that you work with AppleScript's variables, lists, and keywords. If you understand how to work with these data types, the scripting process will be very straightforward. Even though the CallHelix package contains many sample scripts and the manual covers many basic AppleScript functions, it should not be your source for learning AppleScript.
If you need more information about CallHelix, you can download the manual in pdf format and read through it before deciding whether or not to purchase CallHelix. There is also a complete demo package available if you want to try before you buy.