Knowledge Base

How to Use the Backslash Character in AppleScript Script

Article ID: 115815

Article Last Modified on 11/17/2003


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This article was previously published under Q115815

SUMMARY

The backslash (\) character has a special meaning when it is part of a string in an AppleScript script. The backslash is used to indicate the start of an escape sequence. To use a backslash in an AppleScript string, use two backslashes (\\).

MORE INFORMATION

For example, the following AppleScript script is meant to change the default folder from the main FoxPro folder to the TUTORIAL subfolder.
   tell application "Microsoft FoxPro"
      Do Script "SET DEFAULT TO .\tutorial "
   end tell
				
The \t will be interpreted as a horizontal TAB character that will cause the command to fail without an error message. To correct this problem, the syntax of the AppleScript script should be:
   tell application "Microsoft FoxPro"
      Do Script "SET DEFAULT TO .\\tutorial"
   end tell
				
Depending on what character follows the backslash, three results could occur:
  • The command will fail without an error message.
  • The command will fail, causing an error message such as "Unrecognized phrase/keyword in command" in Microsoft FoxPro.
  • The command will cause an error message such as "Expected "" but found unknown token" in the AppleScript Editor.

REFERENCES

"AppleScript Language Reference," Developer Technical Publications, Apple Computer, 1993

Additional query words: VFoxMac FoxMac 2.50 Apple Script back slash

Keywords: KB115815