Fix CotEditor 'Document Opened' Hook Issue On 3.9.7

by Viktoria Ivanova 52 views

Introduction

Hey guys! Today, we're diving deep into a tricky issue faced by a CotEditor user on version 3.9.7. This user, like many of us, loves the minimalistic nature of CotEditor and wants to extend its functionality using AppleScript and shell scripts. Specifically, they're trying to get the document opened hook to work but are running into some roadblocks. If you're in the same boat or just curious about scripting with CotEditor, you're in the right place. We'll break down the problem, explore potential solutions, and provide a step-by-step guide to get those hooks working. So, let's jump right in and make sure you can get the most out of CotEditor!

Understanding the Issue: The “Document Opened” Hook Problem

The core of the problem lies in getting CotEditor to trigger an AppleScript when a document is opened. The user has set up their scripts and Info.plist files according to the documentation, but the document opened event isn't firing as expected. This is a common issue, and there are several reasons why it might be happening. Let's break down the key components and potential pitfalls.

AppleScript and CotEditor

First off, AppleScript is a powerful tool for automating tasks on macOS, and CotEditor supports it beautifully. By using AppleScript hooks, you can extend CotEditor's functionality to do things like syntax checking, compilation, and much more. The user in question is working with the Nim language and wants to enhance CotEditor's support for it. This involves setting up scripts that respond to events like opening and saving documents. The goal is to have CotEditor execute these scripts automatically when these events occur. For example, when a .nim file is opened, the script should run a syntax check or perform other custom actions.

The Role of Info.plist

The Info.plist file is crucial here. It tells CotEditor which AppleScript handlers to activate. This file needs to be correctly structured and placed in the right directory for CotEditor to recognize it. Specifically, the CotEditorHandlers array within Info.plist lists the events that your script will respond to, such as document opened and document saved. If this file isn't set up correctly, CotEditor won't know to trigger your scripts. It's like having a beautifully written script, but the operating system doesn't know it exists.

Potential Pitfalls and Troubleshooting

Now, let's talk about what might be going wrong. There are a few common issues that can prevent AppleScript hooks from working in CotEditor:

  1. Incorrect Info.plist Configuration: This is the most frequent culprit. A typo, a missing entry, or an incorrectly formatted XML file can all prevent CotEditor from recognizing your handlers. Ensure that the CotEditorHandlers array is present and contains the correct event names.
  2. Script Location: The AppleScript file needs to be in the correct directory. Typically, this is ~/Library/Application Scripts/com.coteditor.CotEditor. If the script is placed elsewhere, CotEditor won't find it.
  3. Permissions Issues: Sometimes, file permissions can prevent CotEditor from executing the script. Make sure that the script file is readable and executable.
  4. CotEditor Version Compatibility: As the user mentioned, version compatibility can be a factor. Older versions of CotEditor might have different requirements or behaviors compared to newer versions. It's essential to ensure that your scripts and Info.plist are compatible with your CotEditor version.
  5. Security Settings: macOS security settings can sometimes interfere with AppleScript execution. You need to ensure that CotEditor has the necessary permissions to run scripts.

Reproducing the Issue: Step-by-Step

To better understand the problem, let's walk through the steps the user took to reproduce the issue. This will help you identify if you're facing a similar situation and how to troubleshoot it.

The User's Setup

The user created an AppleScript designed to display an alert when a document is opened or saved. Here's the script they used:

use AppleScript version "2.4" -- Yosemite (10.10) or later
use scripting additions

using terms from application "CotEditor"
	-- write to console "init :: "
	-- display alert "Init "
	
	on document opened theDocument
		-- set thePath to file of theDocument
		-- write to console "has opened :: " & thePath
		--write to console "has opened smth."
		display alert "Opened "
	end document opened
	
	on document saved theDocument
		-- set thePath to file of theDocument
		-- write to console "has saved :: " & thePath
		write to console "Saved "
	end document saved
	
end using terms from

This script is straightforward: it should display an alert box saying "Opened" when a document is opened and log "Saved" to the console when a document is saved. The user also created an Info.plist file to register these handlers:

<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
<!DOCTYPE plist PUBLIC "-//Apple//DTD PLIST 1.0//EN" "http://www.apple.com/DTDs/PropertyList-1.0.dtd">
<plist version="1.0">
<dict>
	<key>CFBundleIdentifier</key>
	<string>com.coteditor.hook-template</string>
	<key>CFBundleName</key>
	<string>Hook Template</string>
	<key>CFBundleShortVersionString</key>
	<string>1.0.0</string>
	<key>CFBundleVersion</key>
	<string>2</string>
	<key>CotEditorHandlers</key>
	<array>
		<string>document opened</string>
		<string>document saved</string>
	</array>
</dict>
</plist>

This Info.plist file specifies that the script should handle both the document opened and document saved events. The user placed these files in the appropriate directories and activated the script via CotEditor's Scripts menu.

The Expected vs. Actual Behavior

The expected behavior was that an alert box would appear when a document was opened, and the word "Saved" would be logged to the console when a document was saved. However, the actual behavior was that nothing happened on file-open or file-save events. This discrepancy indicates an issue with how CotEditor is recognizing or executing the script.

Diagnosing the Problem: A Troubleshooting Checklist

Okay, so you've set up your scripts and Info.plist files, but nothing's happening. Don't worry; we've all been there! Let's go through a troubleshooting checklist to pinpoint the issue. Here's what you need to check:

1. Verify Info.plist Syntax and Content

This is the first and most crucial step. Even a small error in your Info.plist can prevent CotEditor from recognizing your handlers. Here’s what to look for:

  • XML Structure: Ensure the XML is well-formed. Use a plist editor (like Xcode's plist editor) or an online XML validator to check for syntax errors.
  • CotEditorHandlers Array: Make sure this array exists and contains the correct event names (document opened, document saved, etc.). Typos are common here, so double-check!
  • Bundle Identifier: The CFBundleIdentifier should be unique to your script. If you have multiple scripts with the same identifier, they might conflict.

2. Check Script Location

Your AppleScript needs to be in the correct directory for CotEditor to find it. The standard location is ~/Library/Application Scripts/com.coteditor.CotEditor. Verify that your script is in this directory. If the com.coteditor.CotEditor folder doesn't exist, you might need to create it.

3. Review File Permissions

File permissions can sometimes block CotEditor from executing your script. Ensure that your script file has the correct permissions:

  • Read Permissions: CotEditor needs to be able to read the script file.
  • Execute Permissions: The script needs to be executable. You can set this using the chmod +x command in the Terminal.

4. Confirm CotEditor Version Compatibility

As the user highlighted, version compatibility can be a factor. If you're using an older version of CotEditor, there might be differences in how it handles AppleScript hooks. Check the documentation for your CotEditor version to ensure that your scripts and Info.plist are compatible. In this case, the user is on version 3.9.7, so we need to ensure our advice aligns with that version.

5. Investigate Security Settings

macOS security settings can sometimes interfere with script execution. You might need to grant CotEditor specific permissions:

  • Accessibility Access: Ensure that CotEditor has accessibility access in System Preferences > Security & Privacy > Accessibility. This allows CotEditor to interact with other applications and run scripts.
  • Script Editor Permissions: If you're using Script Editor to test your scripts, make sure it also has the necessary permissions.

6. Test with a Simple Script

Sometimes, the complexity of your script can make it difficult to diagnose the issue. Try using a very simple script to test the hooks:

use AppleScript version "2.4"
use scripting additions

using terms from application "CotEditor"
	on document opened theDocument
	display alert "Opened!"
	end document opened
end using terms from

If this script works, the issue might be in your original script's logic. If it doesn't work, the problem is likely with your setup or CotEditor configuration.

7. Check Console Logs

CotEditor's console can provide valuable clues about what's going on. Open the console (usually accessible via a menu option in CotEditor) and look for any error messages or warnings related to your script.

8. System Logs

If CotEditor's console doesn't provide enough information, check the system logs. You can use the Console application (in /Applications/Utilities/) to view system logs. Filter the logs for CotEditor-related messages to see if there are any errors or warnings.

Potential Solutions and Workarounds

Now that we've diagnosed the problem, let's explore some potential solutions and workarounds. These are based on the troubleshooting steps and the specific context of the user's issue.

1. Double-Check Info.plist (Again!)

I know we've already talked about this, but it's worth emphasizing: Info.plist is often the culprit. Let's revisit the user's Info.plist and look for any potential issues:

<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
<!DOCTYPE plist PUBLIC "-//Apple//DTD PLIST 1.0//EN" "http://www.apple.com/DTDs/PropertyList-1.0.dtd">
<plist version="1.0">
<dict>
	<key>CFBundleIdentifier</key>
	<string>com.coteditor.hook-template</string>
	<key>CFBundleName</key>
	<string>Hook Template</string>
	<key>CFBundleShortVersionString</key>
	<string>1.0.0</string>
	<key>CFBundleVersion</key>
	<string>2</string>
	<key>CotEditorHandlers</key>
	<array>
		<string>document opened</string>
		<string>document saved</string>
	</array>
</dict>
</plist>

Everything looks pretty standard here. However, let's consider a few subtle points:

  • Identifier Uniqueness: Is com.coteditor.hook-template truly unique? If another script uses the same identifier, it could cause conflicts. Try changing it to something more specific, like com.yourname.coteditor.nim-hooks.
  • Case Sensitivity: AppleScript event names are case-sensitive. While document opened is correct, ensure there are no accidental capitalization errors.

2. Verify Script Execution Path

CotEditor executes scripts from a specific path. Let's make sure the script is both in the correct location and that CotEditor is looking there.

  • Correct Location: Ensure the script is in ~/Library/Application Scripts/com.coteditor.CotEditor.
  • Script Activation: In CotEditor, go to the Scripts menu and ensure your script is listed and activated. Sometimes, scripts can become deactivated after updates or system changes.

3. Test with write to console

The user's script uses display alert, which can sometimes be problematic due to security settings or other factors. Let's try using write to console instead to see if the basic hook is firing.

Modify your script like this:

use AppleScript version "2.4"
use scripting additions

using terms from application "CotEditor"
	on document opened theDocument
	write to console "Document opened!"
	end document opened
end using terms from

If "Document opened!" appears in CotEditor's console when you open a file, it confirms that the hook is firing, and the issue might be with the display alert command.

4. Address Security Permissions

macOS's security features are robust, but they can sometimes get in the way. Let's ensure CotEditor has the necessary permissions.

  • Accessibility: Go to System Preferences > Security & Privacy > Accessibility and make sure CotEditor is checked. This allows CotEditor to interact with other applications and run scripts.
  • Full Disk Access: In the same Security & Privacy pane, check the Full Disk Access section. If you need to access files outside of CotEditor's sandbox, ensure CotEditor has this permission.

5. Consider AppleScript Version Compatibility

The user is using AppleScript version "2.4", which is compatible with Yosemite (10.10) and later. This shouldn't be an issue on macOS Mojave (10.14.6), but it's worth noting.

6. Recompile if Possible

The user mentioned the possibility of compiling a higher version of CotEditor using Xcode 11.3.1. This is a viable option if you're comfortable with Xcode and have the necessary development environment set up. Compiling a newer version might resolve compatibility issues with AppleScript hooks.

Addressing Specific Concerns: Version 3.9.7 and Older Systems

The user's situation is unique because they're working with CotEditor 3.9.7 on macOS Mojave, and they're constrained by 32-bit tooling requirements. This means upgrading CotEditor or the OS might not be feasible. Let's address this specifically.

Is It Broken on 3.9.7?

The user asked if the document opened hook is broken on CotEditor 3.9.7. While it's possible there's a bug specific to this version, it's more likely that the issue lies in the setup. AppleScript hooks are a core feature of CotEditor and generally work reliably. However, older versions might have quirks or require slightly different configurations.

Workarounds for Older Versions

If the standard setup isn't working, here are a few workarounds to try:

  • Alternative Scripting Methods: Explore other scripting methods, such as shell scripts or Python scripts, that can interact with CotEditor. These might offer more flexibility or bypass issues with AppleScript hooks.
  • Scheduled Tasks: Consider using macOS's built-in scheduling tools (like launchd) to trigger scripts at specific times or events. This might not be as seamless as hooks, but it can provide a workaround.

Final Thoughts and Next Steps

Phew! We've covered a lot of ground here. Getting AppleScript hooks to work in CotEditor can be tricky, but with a systematic approach, you can usually diagnose and fix the issue. Let's recap the key takeaways:

  • Info.plist is Critical: Always double-check your Info.plist for syntax errors and correct event names.
  • Location Matters: Ensure your scripts are in the right directory.
  • Permissions Are Key: Verify that CotEditor has the necessary permissions to execute scripts.
  • Test Simply: Use a simple script to isolate the problem.
  • Check Logs: CotEditor and system logs can provide valuable clues.

For the user facing this issue on CotEditor 3.9.7, I recommend going through the troubleshooting checklist step by step. Start with the Info.plist, verify the script location, check permissions, and test with a simple script. If you're still stuck, dive into the console and system logs for more information.

And remember, the CotEditor community is here to help! If you've tried everything and still can't get it working, reach out to the community forums or discussion boards. There are plenty of experienced users who can offer advice and support.

Happy scripting, guys! Let's get those CotEditor hooks working and make our favorite text editor even more powerful!