SenseTalk Language Features

Key features of the SenseTalk scripting language:

• SenseTalk is a very English-like language, making scripts unusually easy for programmers and non-programmers alike to read, write, and understand (see the example scripts).

• SenseTalk is a very high level language. Fewer statements are needed to achieve a given result, with each statement typically doing more work than in a traditional programming language such as C.

• SenseTalk is a highly modular, object- and message-based language.

• SenseTalk is event-driven: Messages are sent automatically when certain events occur, such as when a user clicks a mouse button, or opens a document.

• Each object in a HyperSense document (including the Document itself) can be assigned its own script.

• Each object's script can include one or more message handlers for responding to specific messages.

• Message-passing hierarchy: A message that is not handled by the object which receives it may be handled by an enclosing object. This arrangement allows scripts at an outer level (such as a Document script) to provide common functionality for all contained objects, while enabling specific objects to override that behavior when desired.

• Similar to HyperTalk, making it very easy for users familiar with HyperCard and related authoring systems to make the transition to HyperSense. HyperCard Stacks can be imported and modified to take advantage of HyperSense's superior environment.

• Extensible: Custom commands and functions can easily be added to the language, using dynamically-loaded modules written in Objective C. These modules have full access to the HyperSense environment for accessing and modifying HyperSense documents.

HyperSense is a registered trademark and SenseTalk is a trademark of Thoughtful Software.
Macintosh, HyperCard, and HyperTalk are registered trademarks of Apple Computer, Inc.