get_scripting_tips
Find pre-built AppleScript/JXA solutions for macOS automation tasks. Search tips by keywords, browse categories, or list all automation areas to control apps and system functions efficiently.
Instructions
Discover how to automate any app on your Mac with this comprehensive knowledge base of AppleScript/JXA tips and runnable scripts. This tool is essential for discovery and should be the FIRST CHOICE when aiming to automate macOS tasks, especially those involving common applications or system functions, before attempting to write scripts from scratch. It helps identify pre-built, tested solutions, effectively teaching you how to control virtually any aspect of your macOS experience.
Primary Use Cases & Parameters:
- Discovering Solutions (Use
search_term
):- Parameter:
search_term
(string, optional). - Functionality: Performs a fuzzy search across all tip titles, descriptions, keywords, script content, and IDs. Ideal for natural language queries like "how to..." (e.g.,
search_term: "how do I get the current Safari URL and title?"
). This is the most common way to find relevant tips. - Output: Returns a list of matching tips in Markdown format.
- Parameter:
- Limiting Search Results (Use
limit
):- Parameter:
limit
(integer, optional, default: 10). - Functionality: Specifies the maximum number of script tips to return when using
search_term
or browsing a specificcategory
(withoutlist_categories: true
). Does not apply iflist_categories
is true.
- Parameter:
- Browsing by Category (Use
category
):- Parameter:
category
(string, optional). - Functionality: Shows tips from a specific category. Combine with
limit
to control result count. - Example:
category: "01_intro"
orcategory: "07_browsers/chrome"
.
- Parameter:
- Listing All Categories (Use
list_categories: true
):- Parameter:
list_categories
(boolean, optional). - Functionality: Returns a structured list of all available categories with their descriptions. This helps you understand what automation areas are covered.
- Output: Category tree in Markdown format.
- Parameter:
- Refreshing Database (Use
refresh_database: true
):- Parameter:
refresh_database
(boolean, optional). - Functionality: Forces a reload of the knowledge base if new scripts have been added. Typically not needed as the database refreshes automatically.
- Parameter:
Best Practices:
- Always start with search: Use natural language queries to find solutions (e.g., "send email from Mail app").
- Browse categories when exploring: Use
list_categories: true
to see available automation areas. - Use specific IDs for execution: Once you find a script, use its ID with
execute_script
tool for precise execution.
Input Schema
Name | Required | Description | Default |
---|---|---|---|
category | No | ||
limit | No | ||
list_categories | No | ||
refresh_database | No | ||
search_term | No |