---
title: scriptingLanguage
card_id: 100648
---

# scriptingLanguage

`set [the] scriptingLanguage [of [ph:object]] to [ph:languageName]`

where `[ph:languageName]` is HyperTalk or the name of any OSA-compliant scripting system such as AppleScript.

The `scriptingLanguage` property sets or retrieves the scripting system of the object or (when you don't use `of [ph:object]`) of the message box.

`[ph:LanguageName]` must be present in the computer's system resources.

The message box and each individual object can all respond to different scripting systems.

You can also set the `scriptingLanguage` property for an object by choosing from the Scripting Language pop-up menu at the top of each object's script editor window.

The default `[ph:languageName]` is HyperTalk.

## Examples

```
get the scriptingLanguage of bg button 6

set the scriptingLanguage to AppleScript -- for Message box only
```

## Related Topics

* [Debug a script](/HyperTalkReference/editingscripts/Debug-a-script)
* [debugger](/HyperTalkReference/properties/debugger)
* [edit script](/HyperTalkReference/commands/edit-script)
* [HyperTalk and scripts](/HyperTalkReference/hypertalkbasics/HyperTalk-and-scripts)
* [messageWatcher](/HyperTalkReference/properties/messageWatcher)
* [Open a script window](/HyperTalkReference/editingscripts/Open-a-script-window)
* [Save a script](/HyperTalkReference/editingscripts/Save-a-script)
* [script](/HyperTalkReference/properties/script)
* [scriptEditor](/HyperTalkReference/properties/scriptEditor)
* [variableWatcher](/HyperTalkReference/properties/variableWatcher)