AutoHotkey
For scripting language for Windows
AutoHotkey is an excellent free utility designed to quickly set up and change hotkeys on different manipulators and input devices (mice, trackballs, gamepads, keyboards, etc.). Using it, you can instantly reassign almost any buttons and their combinations on the devices you need, as well as create macros of any complexity. You should agree, because it is very convenient, when several operations or actions are performed at once by pressing one key! And this can really come in handy not only in video games, but also in various computer programs. Also, you can use this functionality when working in the operating system or when configuring it (Windows windows, folders, files, registry, clipboard, etc.).
In addition to the above, AutoHotkey has a number of additional and very useful functions: it allows you to create your own GUI (elements of the graphical interface), to call the functions of dll-libraries, and even process the text with regular expressions (for example, abbreviations - capital letters of some words - will be automatically replaced by given to users words and expressions). In addition, AutoHotkey has an integrated compiler module that allows you to create exe files from recorded macros and then run them on any PC, including those where the program is not installed.
AutoHotkey allows users to streamline their workflow by assigning complex actions to simple key combinations, boosting productivity and efficiency.
Autohotkey is delivered by developers with an open source code, contains own scripting language with exhaustive possibilities in respect of a writing of the most complicated scripts, supports possibility of management of the cursor by means of gamepads or the keyboard and many other things that, certainly, will help any user to optimise seriously and considerably accelerate work on the computer.
- Automation of virtually any action by emulating keystrokes and mouse clicks;
- writing a macro using a recorder or writing a macro in the macro editor;
- Create hot keys for the keyboard, mouse or even joysticks; any key or combination of keys can become a "hot key";
- on the fly" abbreviations, e.g. the letters "Dkz" typed on the keyboard can be automatically converted into "How are you?
- Creation of arbitrary interfaces and forms of data input;
- Change the functions of any mouse keys, keyboard, joystick, etc;
- Processing of signals from external control devices, such as those transmitted by the WinLIRC client;
- Change AutoIt 2 scripts and add new features to them;
- the ability to convert any script to an executable EXE file;
- Changing the volume, muting and other sound card settings;
- the ability to give any window transparency and properties "on top of all", as well as to change its shape;
- using a joystick or keyboard to replace the mouse;
- system monitoring. For example, you can close any unwanted windows when they appear;
- working with the clipboard, changing its contents;
- Changing Windows system hotkeys, such as Win+E or Win+R;
- assign alternatives to switching windows instead of Alt+Tab;
- Change the appearance of any icon in the Windows system tray;
- Display dialog boxes, labels, and other elements to interact with the user;
- Perform the specified actions before you exit the system or change the user;
- Determining when a computer is not in use; this can be necessary, for example, to perform tasks that require intensive use of processor resources;
- automation of actions in computer games;
- reading, writing and manipulating text files;
- operations with a group of files falling under a specified template;
- ability to work with the system registry and INI files.
PROS
Allows customization through simple scripting.
Open-source and free to use.
CONS
Limited technical support available.
Works predominantly with Windows, limited for other platforms.
