Apple Pipeline?

[MacRumors]

Despite on the ongoing controversy regarding the Tiger screenshots posted yesterday, the screenshots do introduce some interesting concepts.

One, which was not posted initially is one of a new application called Pipeline.

The application reportedly provides non-programmers the ability to link together actions in Applescript to create their own self-contained Applescript applications.

Image removed at request of Apple Legal

[coumerelli]

Let the REAL rumors roll now, baby! C'mon monday noon central time!

[windowsblowsass]

i want this

[swingerofbirch]

ugg....metal on a powerbook looks cool...metal on a software program looks tacky

it's interesting, i heard that this release of mac os x was going to be a "solid" release (jaguar) as opposed to the "new features" type release (panther), but if these rumors are to be believed, it looks like apple has quite a few new gimmicks--er--features up its sleeve

[Freg3000]

The "Alert" symbol looks like it was pulled out of the OS 9 closet....

[el_aarono]

Originally Posted by Freg3000

The "Alert" symbol looks like it was pulled out of the OS 9 closet....

That is the first thing I noticed as well. Kind of strange, but if this is a beta version or something then why not play around and use a "dorky" old-school icon. This could really be a fun app though. Hope it's the real deal.

later,

A

[iLilana]

Originally Posted by Freg3000

The "Alert" symbol looks like it was pulled out of the OS 9 closet....

it raised my eyebrow too.
i'm not sure i would use something like this.

[Punani]

Originally Posted by Freg3000

The "Alert" symbol looks like it was pulled out of the OS 9 closet....

There is nothing really surprising about this if one has tinkered with AppleScript a bit...

Open up Script Editor and run this:

display dialog "Icon Test" with icon note

[nsb3000]

Originally Posted by swingerofbirch

ugg....metal on a powerbook looks cool...metal on a software program looks tacky

it's interesting, i heard that this release of mac os x was going to be a "solid" release (jaguar) as opposed to the "new features" type release (panther), but if these rumors are to be believed, it looks like apple has quite a few new gimmicks--er--features up its sleeve

While I agree with you, its Steve's way or the highway on this subject. Panther should of taught you that!

[nubero]

Originally Posted by nsb3000

While I agree with you, its Steve's way or the highway on this subject. Panther should of taught you that!

There is actually a concept behind Metal. Self-contained Apps are Metal. and Apps that have Palettes and other menues are Aqua. It's what Apple say themselves in their HI Guide.

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[peharri]

Originally Posted by coumerelli

Let the REAL rumors roll now, baby! C'mon monday noon central time!

FWIW, the version of Stickies in Panther 10.3.4 is 4.2, I just checked.

Would be an interesting concept to build an operating system GUI around stickies though. I bet 3M would be interested... I guess you can't get more spacial than stickies either, so I bet the good people at arstechnica would be delighted.

[Stella]

Seems very innovative, simple for the non-developer to hack up quick applescript apps.

I can believe apple doing this sort of thing.

No Doubt You'll see this sort of thing implemented in VB for the Window version after longhorn...

[BWhaler]

This is a great idea.

I'm really hoping Apple dresses up Tiger to the nines with speed, security, and new functionality. ESPECIALLY iCal, Address book, and Mail.

[nsb3000]

Originally Posted by Macrumors

Despite on the ongoing controversy regarding the Tiger screenshots posted yesterday, the screenshots do introduce some interesting concepts.

One, which was not posted initially is one of a new application called Pipeline.

The application reportedly provides non-programmers the ability to link together actions in Applescript to create their own self-contained Applescript applications.

This screen shot looks more real to me than the other set. It seems too sophisticated for someone to have come up with on their own. I wonder weather Arn has any other images up his sleeve?

[Wonder Boy]

thank god for apps like whiteout

[thedogcow]

Oh, thats right. A bunch of horse****...

I just want the new displays on monday so that way I can buy my damn new power mac with a new display and not pay anymore attention to these insipid rumor sites.

[Analog Kid]

There seems to be quite a few things missing from the screenshot-- there's no GUI components for one thing, so it's not very useful for standalone apps...

It almost looks like this is less for building quick AppleScript applications and more for helping to manipulate data on your system. The name Pipeline reinforces that feeling-- it reminds me of "piping" data through a chain of processors on a Unix command line.

Looks like it would let you say "Find items in iPhoto from my vacation | Resize images to 640x480 | Find addresses in Address Book for Family | Mail pictures as attachments To: address list"

Rather than pipe it, you'd graphically build the Workflow.

With the pieces I see here, I don't see anyway of actually programming an application. No GUI, no loops, no control statements, no generic processing blocks... I don't see a menu where they could be hiding, and there's no scrollbars in then Category pane indicating there is anything else hiding there...

[harperska]

Originally Posted by Analog Kid

It almost looks like this is less for building quick AppleScript applications and more for helping to manipulate data on your system. The name Pipeline reinforces that feeling-- it reminds me of "piping" data through a chain of processors on a Unix command line.

Looks like it would let you say "Find items in iPhoto from my vacation | Resize images to 640x480 | Find addresses in Address Book for Family | Mail pictures as attachments To: address list"

Rather than pipe it, you'd graphically build the Workflow.

It looks like you got it. Apparently right now, the app is going by two names, "Pipeline", and "Automator". You can read all about Automator on apple's website.

[Wardofsky]

Kudos to harperska, it looks like it's gonna be that way.
I was cruising over the screenshots supplied by Cuk.ch here (http://g4.wasd.dk/files/cuk.ch/tiger_cuk_preview.html) and it also had Pipeline but when I looked over the screenshots it was exactly like Automator here.

Since when does Apple do two names for one app?
I think it's possibly regional. Presuming the Cuk.ch is based in France it could be European differences.

Suggestions are that it was originally called pipeline but it's name was changed recently, apparently it can be seen when Steve's doing the demo of Spotlight wehn he types the "Pi" of "Pixar", Pipeline shows up.

[nsb3000]

Unlike all the other TIGER screenshots, this App looks real, interesting , and useful. Builds on Apple script and makes it even more accessible to the average user. I guess we will have to wait till Monday to get the full scoop on this...

[Dr. Dastardly]

This is something I can totaly see Apple coming up with. Innovative and easy to use and everyone would love to fiddle around with this little utility. If Apple doesn't make it someone please do. I'll give you money.

[Doctor Q]

Opposing viewpoint: This is a terrible idea. If everyone can program this easily, we programmers will be out of a job!

[el_aarono]

Originally Posted by Doctor Q

Opposing viewpoint: This is a terrible idea. If everyone can program this easily, we programmers will be out of a job!

I don't think this app will replace professional programmers. Did Garageband put professional musicians out of work? Instead Pipeline (assuming it's real) will allow the average user to do more novel things with their machine, which is what Apple is all about in my opinion. i.e., Now I can make my own music, movies, DVDs, basic applications, etc.

-A.


edit: grammar

[Punani]

Maybe this is somewhat of a HyperCard replacement?

[macnews]

From the sounds of it, there is no way Pipeline will put programmers out of a job. I would love to learn applescript and it seems like Pipeline will help out those who know some applescript. At the very least it seems like it will help users customize and automate some common/frequent tasks. Things people probably won't pay for anyway unless you do it as shareware for $10-$20.