3.0 What are Scripts?

You can think of a script as a mini computer program that contains sequences of individual steps used to activate and control a wide variety of computer processes. The action a script performs ranges from tasks as simple as entering repetitive strings of data to many of the standard routines your computer does on an ongoing basis as part of its operation.

Scripts or combinations of scripts and functions control most JAWS behavior. Scripts analyze what actions are taking place in an application and determine how to handle the screen reading for you.
Script files also contain functions. Like a script, a function is also a sequence of statements that perform a given task. However, functions differ from scripts in that you cannot activate them with a keystroke.

You create scripts and functions with the Script Manager. You use a standard set of programming codes, formats, and rules to create your scripts and functions. After you have written your script or function, you compile your script or function into machine-readable language, so that the computer can understand the instructions. Once you compile your script or function, they are ready for your use.

Table of Contents

Chapter 3.0 What are Scripts?, contains the following sections:

3.1 JAWS Scripts and Script Files

3.2 Processing Keystrokes

3.3 Performing Functions

3.4 Scripts vs. Functions

3.5 Chapter Exercises

 

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