alldritt

alldritt / aequery

Public

A macOS command-line tool that queries scriptable applications using XPath-like expressions.

72
2
100% credibility
Found Feb 07, 2026 at 48 stars -- GitGems finds repos before they trend. Get early access to the next one.
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AI Analysis
Swift
AI Summary

A macOS tool for querying information from scriptable applications using simple path expressions that feel like exploring a folder structure.

How It Works

1
🔍 Discover aequery

You hear about a handy Mac tool that lets you easily ask questions to apps like Finder or Mail, pulling out info like window names or file details without hassle.

2
📦 Get it on your Mac

Install the tool quickly and simply so it's ready to use right away.

3
💻 Open and try your first question

Type a simple path like '/Finder/windows/name' to instantly see the names of all your Finder windows.

4
✨ Results appear like magic

Watch as you get a clean list of answers, feeling the power of peeking inside apps effortlessly.

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Pick your favorite view
📊
Structured lists

Get organized data perfect for copying or using elsewhere.

📄
Plain text

See simple, everyday readable results.

📝
App script style

Turn queries into instructions your Mac apps understand directly.

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🔬 Explore deeper questions

Filter by size, name, or position, chaining paths to dig into folders, emails, or contacts.

🎉 Unlock app insights anytime

Now you can quickly grab any info from your favorite Mac apps, saving time and skipping complex setups.

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Star Growth

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AI-Generated Review

What is aequery?

aequery is a Swift-based macOS command-line tool for querying scriptable apps like Finder or Mail using XPath-like expressions, such as `/Finder/windows/name`. It translates these paths into Apple Events, returning results as JSON, plain text, or AppleScript code. Developers get quick CLI access to app data without firing up Script Editor or osascript.

Why is it gaining traction?

Its XPath syntax handles predicates (`[name="Desktop"]`), whose clauses (`[size > 1000]`), and even compound logic (`and`/`or`), flattening nested lists or deduping outputs. Flags like `--applescript` generate ready-to-run code, `--sdef` shows dictionary details, and `--dry-run` previews without sending events. For macOS command line tools users, it's a cleaner alternative to verbose AppleScript.

Who should use this?

macOS developers scripting Finder file lists, Mail message subjects, or Contacts emails from shell scripts or GitHub Actions runners. Automation scripters querying app state for backups, notifications, or CI checks. CLI enthusiasts tired of GUI tools for quick app introspection.

Verdict

Grab it via `brew install alldritt/tools/aequery` if you automate macOS apps—183 tests and solid docs make it reliable despite 59 stars and 1.0% credibility score. Early-stage but production-ready for macOS 13+; watch for wider adoption.

(187 words)

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