Make a dictionary workflow for GoldenDict with function just like the 'Define {query}' native to Alfred

[mint_lab]

Dear all,

 

I am a current student studying English literature and therefore using the native dictionary.app in a Mac is not enough. So I downloaded GoldenDict with OED equipped. I was trying to build a workflow which I hope will function exactly like the 'define {query}' feature in Alfred. Basically, I want to have the GoldenDict window come to front and give me the definition after typing the keyword 'gold' and hit [space] and then type my {query} in Alfred.

 

I am learning to to build a workflow from scratch for my own so I don't have to come to bother you guys every time I have some issues but for now I am a pretty a layman in both automation and programming in general. So any advice or suggestion will be appreciated. Hope to be able to contribute to Alfred community some day. Thanks again.

 

Lawrence

[vitor]

Welcome @mint_lab,

 

On 10/27/2019 at 11:33 AM, mint_lab said:

I am learning to to build a workflow from scratch for my own so I don't have to come to bother you guys every time I have some issues

 

Thumbs up! We do enjoy helping people who want to learn.

 

On 10/27/2019 at 11:33 AM, mint_lab said:

for now I am a pretty a layman in both automation and programming in general

 

However, your project might not be suitable for a beginner. We’ll need more information to determine if it’s even possible.

First, something you may not have considered: are you aware you can add dictionaries to Apple’s Dictionary app? It comes with a bunch of them and you can download more online. It may be that the particular dictionary you want has a compatible version.

If GoldenDict it’s your only option, it will either need to support AppleScript (best option)—which from a cursory glance it looks to not be the case (but you should ask the developer)—or store dictionaries in an accessible format you can parse with some programming.

[agboh]

I use AppleScript to send the {query} to GoldenDict's search box. Simply use "Run NSAppleScript" and connect it to a keyword/shortcut trigger.

 

Here is the code:

 

on alfred_script(SelectedText)

tell application id "org.goldendict"
	activate
end tell

tell application "System Events"
	tell process "GoldenDict"
		repeat until window 1 exists
		end repeat
		set value of text field 1 of window 1 to SelectedText
		set (text field 1 of window 1)'s focused to true
	end tell
	key code 36
end tell

end alfred_script

 

[deanishe]

39 minutes ago, agboh said:

Simply use "Run NSAppleScript"

 

Better to use a Run Script with Language = /usr/bin/osascript (AS) than Run NSAppleScript wherever possible. Run NSAppleScript blocks Alfred while it's running. Run Script doesn't block.

[agboh]

48 minutes ago, deanishe said:

 

Better to use a Run Script with Language = /usr/bin/osascript (AS) than Run NSAppleScript wherever possible. Run NSAppleScript blocks Alfred while it's running. Run Script doesn't block.

Great input. Thank you!