applescript random on startup

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Level 1

8 points

applescript random on startup

Hello, I have been trying to open a random file from a select folder on startup (by adding the applescript app to the login items). I have found a way to get some kind of "pseudo random" selection using the code:

tell application "Finder"
set random_file to some file of folder "CFolder" of folder "BFolder" of disk "Storage"
open random_file
end tell

With this setup though, the "random" selection is always the same on startup. Any ideas or suggestions?

-Brett

G4 Quicksilver, Mac OS X (10.4.8)

Posted on Jul 27, 2009 9:34 PM

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Answer 1

Best reply

Pierre L.

Level 5

4,635 points

Jul 28, 2009 4:45 AM in response to Mr. Zzzz

Hi Mr. Zzzz. I'm surprised that the pseudo-random selection is always the same on startup. Maybe you could try this:

tell application "Finder"
set the_folder to folder "CFolder" of folder "BFolder" of disk "Storage"
set RN to random number from 1 to (count the_folder) with seed (time of (current date))
set random_file to file RN of the_folder
open random_file
end tell

Ref.: “random number” in the [AppleScript Language Guide|http://developer.apple.com/documentation/AppleScript/Conceptual/AppleScri ptLangGuide/reference/ASLR cmds.html#//appleref/doc/uid/TP40000983-CH216-SW42] (p. 146 of the PDF version).

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Answer 2

Mr. Zzzz Author

Level 1

8 points

Jul 28, 2009 3:45 PM in response to Pierre L.

Thanks Pierre, that might be helpful.... I'll put it into use over the next couple days and see if it works. I'll post to let you know one way or the other. Also helpful is the reference to the AppleScript Language Guide (never knew there was such a thing).

Regards,
-Mr. Zzzz

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Answer 3

Mr. Zzzz Author

Level 1

8 points

Aug 4, 2009 1:05 PM in response to Mr. Zzzz

Yep. Works. Thanks a bunch Pierre!

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Answer 4

Pierre L.

Level 5

4,635 points

Aug 4, 2009 1:23 PM in response to Mr. Zzzz

Thanks for the feedback.

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Answer 5

Pierre L.

Level 5

4,635 points

Aug 4, 2009 2:09 PM in response to Mr. Zzzz

Never too late to do better.

For a computer that would restart at exactly the same time each day, it's possible (I didn't test it) that the preceding solution wouldn't work. In such a case, a better solution would be to use a number such as the following integer as a seed: (current date) - (date "Monday, January 1, 2001 12:00:00 AM").

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Answer 6

Mr. Zzzz Author

Level 1

8 points

Aug 9, 2009 11:08 PM in response to Pierre L.

Currently I start my computer up manually, but it's possible I might use the auto (scheduled) start up again sometime in the future. Thanks again!

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