You can also specify an application on the local computer with only the
applicationŐs name ("ApplicationName"). In this case, AppleScript attempts to
find an application of that name among currently running applications. If the
application isnŐt running, AppleScript attempts to locate it in the current
directory. If the application isnŐt in the current directory, AppleScript displays a
directory dialog box asking where the application is located. If the name of the
application you select is different from the name specified in the script, the
name in the script changes to match the name of the application you select.
When you run a script on the same computer on which it was compiled (that is,
on which it was last run or saved, or had its syntax checked), AppleScript finds
the application you specified in the original script even if you have moved it or
changed its name. If the application has been removed, AppleScript searches
for another version of the same application.
As with aliases, it is often convenient to store a reference to an application in
a variable:
set x to application "Scriptable Text Editor"
x
tell x to quit
If you save this script as a script application or compiled script, move the
Scriptable Text Editor application to another location, change its name,
then open the script again, the name "Scriptable Text Editor" in
the script changes to reflect the applicationŐs new name, and the script still
works correctly.