AHK2

AHK2 refers to AutoHotkey version 2, the second major branch of the AutoHotkey scripting language designed for Windows automation. It was released as a redesigned, more consistent successor to AutoHotkey v1, with the aim of improving reliability, readability, and maintainability of scripts. AHK2 introduces a function-centric syntax, mandatory parentheses for function calls, and standardized parameter handling, which together make the language more explicit but also break backward compatibility with most v1 scripts.

History and development: AutoHotkey began as a free, open-source automation tool for Windows developed by various contributors, with Lexikos and the core community playing a central role in AHK2’s design and maintenance. The first stable release of v2 occurred around 2020, and since then the v2 branch has continued to evolve alongside the traditional v1 branch, receiving updates and refinements to address usability and consistency concerns.

Features and design: AHK2 reorganizes many built-in commands into a more uniform function-based model. It uses the assignment operator :=, enforces explicit function calls with parentheses, and provides improved error handling and debugging facilities. The language preserves the core capabilities of AutoHotkey, including hotkeys, hotstrings, GUI automation, and script-based automation, while reworking parameter semantics and syntax to reduce ambiguity. Type handling remains dynamic, but the revised syntax supports clearer code structure and easier maintenance.

Compatibility and migration: AHK2 is not fully backward compatible with v1. Developers are encouraged to port existing scripts using the provided porting tools and documentation, though some v1 constructs require changes or alternative approaches in v2. The project supports coexistence of both versions, with separate runtimes and resources for users transitioning between them.