Shortcuts is a pretty solid option for users with Apple Devices. Its available actions range from simply changing settings to running SSH commands, all packed in a user interface that is much more approachable than AppleScript or Automator.
I’ve poked at Automator and Shortcuts a bit and found them similarly useful. The only issue is that not every app exposes functions to them yet, so there are a number of workflows I’d like to create that won’t work until the app dev adds functions to support “tell this app to do this thing”. KeyboardMaestro works well for filling that gap, but it’s a little awkward to figure out the “click at this spot on the screen” bits.
I do hope they make this faster and less obtrusive.
Edit: also, no idea how to run most of them. I've installed a shortcut. Now what :)
- Manually via a home screen app icon - A Share Sheet action (good for manipulating links or images, etc.) - Automation event (time/schedule based, NFC tag scanning, or a HomeKit accessory changed)
It just depends on the context and the purpose.
Just looked through the Shortcuts app, it's impossible to deduce context and purpose :D
I do hope they improve this. Even as a tech person, I looked at this and went: nope, no idea what it is, it's intended purposes, or any useful use cases.
BTW. I did finally figure out that the shortcuts my Audi app added can only be used by saying their name exactly, and they will trigger via Siri :D Searching for them doesn't work. "Details" menu item (menu itself is hidden behind long tap) is unavailable etc.
On-Demand VPN via WireGuard isn't quite what I'm looking for.