8.7. Further Reading

Learn Mac Automation with Ruby Scripting. In this chapter we focused on using the bash shell to script against Mac OS X. However, Ruby is a flexible, popular, and diverse scripting language that can also be used, as is AppleScript. In this book, by Matt Neuberg, you will learn how to translate information between Ruby and AppleScript, which can be very useful, especially if you will be integrating Puppet into your imaging infrastructure. http://www.apress.com/book/view/9781430224938

Beginning Portable Shell Scripting: From Novice to Professional. This chapter has a heavy focus on shell scripting, as we feel that such scripts provide a very accessible, powerful environment, which can be handled for numerous automations. This book by Peter Seebach provides an excellent look into shell scripting. http://www.apress.com/book/view/1430210435

Beginning Perl, Second Edition. Perl is another command-line and scripting tool that can be used to automate almost anything in Mac OS X. In this book, by James Lee, you will learn the basics of programming in Perl. This is often the next step when budding programmers outgrow the capabilities of bash. http://www.apress.com/book/view/9781590593912

Pro Perl. Once you have a good fundamental understanding of Perl, it is time to move on to mastering it. This book, by Peter Wainwright, will guide you through moving from a Perl youngling to a Perl knight. By the end, you will be developing at a level that will have you automating even the most basic of tasks, such as walking the dog. http://www.apress.com/book/view/9781590594384

Beginning Python: From Novice to Professional. Python is another language that people like to try once they master the shell for Mac OS X. Python has a number of options that can be leveraged with Mac OS X. http://www.apress.com/book/view/9781590595190