Mac Automation – Javascript Hotkey helpers

hotkey_helpers.js

// How to use:
//   1. Open "Script Editor" (requires OS X 10.10 Yosemite)
//   2. Change the language from "AppleScript" to "JavaScript"
//   3. Paste the code below and replace the safari example.
//
// More info:
// https://developer.apple.com/library/mac/releasenotes/InterapplicationCommunication/RN-JavaScriptForAutomation/index.html

var sys_events = Application("System Events");

// More keycodes can be added. Keycode reference:
// http://www.codemacs.com/coding/applescript/applescript-key-codes-reference.8288271.htm
var key_codes = {
	"→": 124,
	"←": 123,
	"↑": 126,
	"↓": 125,
	"⏎": 36
};
var modifiers = {
	"⌘": "command down",
	"^": "control down",
	"⌥": "option down",
	"⇧": "shift down"
};

function press(hotkey) {
	var using = [];
	
	while (hotkey.length > 1) {
		if (modifiers[hotkey[0]] == undefined) {
			throw new Error(hotkey[0] + " is not a recognized modifier key");
		}
		
		using.push(modifiers[hotkey[0]]);
		hotkey = hotkey.slice(1);
	}
	
	if (key_codes[hotkey] != undefined) {
		sys_events.keyCode(key_codes[hotkey], {using: using});
	}
	else {
		sys_events.keystroke(hotkey.toLowerCase(), {using: using});
	}
}
function type(text) {
	for (var i=0; i < text.length; i++) {
		sys_events.keystroke(text[i]);
	}
}
function menu_item() {
	if (!arguments.length) return;
  
	var process = sys_events.processes.whose({"frontmost": true})[0];
	var menu_bar = process.menuBars[0].menuBarItems[arguments[0]];
	
	var menu_item = menu_bar;
	for (var i=1; i < arguments.length; i++) {
		menu_item = menu_item.menus[0].menuItems[arguments[i]];
	}
	menu_item.click();
}



////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
//  Example use: Safari
////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

var Safari = Application("Safari");

// Give Safari the focus
Safari.activate();

// Give it a second, it's practically magic (literally waits 1 second)
delay(1.0)

// New window:
press("⌘N")

// Another new Window
menu_item("File", "New Window")

// select address bar
press("⌘L")

// enter a url
type("http://www.google.com")

// press enter
press("⏎")

// open your favorite blog in a new tab
press("⌘T")
type("http://jiaaro.com")
press("⏎")