David, Nobumi's statement: Do Script perl_arg mode Batch doesn't open the regular Macperl window. Instead it opens a "Result" window that is managed by Applescript, and shows what the Macperl script produced. This window may hide behind the AS script window. It doesn't open if there is no output.
OTOH Do Script perl_arg opens a Macperl window if and only if the Macperl script produced an output. And if both statements are run: Do Script perl_arg mode Batch Do Script perl_arg only the regular Macperl window opens. Anyway this is what happens in my systems OS 7.5.5 and OS 9.0.4 !! Best - - On Sun, 08 Jul 2007 05:47:12 -0700, David Micklem wrote: Nobumi's method (with the direct tell application "MacPerl") works perfectly for me on OS9.2 and MacPerl 5.6.1. However, I only get output returned if MacPerl has previously ever had an output window open. That is, if MacPerl isn't running, then it starts up OK when I run the script but I get no output/returned value. Re-running the script -> still no output. But if I go into MacPerl and either run a script, or syntax check a script so that the MacPerl output window opens, then re-running the AppleScript gives me the expected output. Even after I close the MacPerl output window, running the AppleScript still works OK. So, just out of curiosity, is it possible to make the script work WITHOUT the user having to manually go into MacPerl and persuade it to open an output window?