The Howdy Glossary

COFFEE (Component Object Model For Extension) was a JavaScript compiler developed by Adobe Systems Incorporated for Adobe After Effects. It facilitated the creation of scripts designed to automate tasks and introduce custom functionality within After Effects, streamlining the process of generating code in the ExtendScript scripting environment. This allowed users to execute commands in the background without directly interacting with the application's graphical user interface, enhancing efficiency and customization.

COFFEE provided a unique feature by offering a JavaScript compiler specifically tailored for After Effects, which significantly streamlined scripting processes. This integration enabled developers to write efficient scripts that could run in the background, improving workflow automation and customization within After Effects. Its introduction aimed at enhancing the software's capabilities by providing users with an efficient platform for developing highly customized scripts.

Despite its advantages, COFFEE faced competition from other scripting languages like ExtendScript and later from an ECMAScript engine integrated into After Effects. While ExtendScript offered broader functionality across various Adobe products, ECMAScript introduced standardized compatibility adhering to ECMAScript standards. COFFEE’s specialized focus on scripting within After Effects gave it a competitive edge in terms of deeper integration and efficient task automation but was eventually phased out as newer, more standardized solutions emerged within Adobe’s ecosystem.