AHKs

AHKs are scripts written for AutoHotkey, the Windows automation language and interpreter. An AHK file contains commands in plain text and uses the .ahk extension. When executed, AutoHotkey reads the script and carries out actions such as sending keystrokes, moving the mouse, manipulating windows, reading or writing files, and calling Windows API or COM components.

AutoHotkey offers language constructs to define hotkeys and hotstrings, automate repetitive tasks, create simple graphical user interfaces, and schedule actions with timers. Typical uses include remapping keys, creating keyboard macros, launching programs, filling forms, and batch-processing files.

AHK scripts can be compiled into standalone executables, allowing distribution without requiring a separate interpreter. The language has two major eras: AutoHotkey v1 and AutoHotkey v2, with v2 modernizing syntax and improving consistency at the cost of some backward compatibility.

Development and community: AutoHotkey is free and open-source, with a robust user community at autohotkey.com and repositories on platforms like GitHub. Documentation, tutorials, and user-contributed scripts help new users learn and share automation techniques.

Limitations and security: While powerful, some applications may restrict automated input, and AHKs can be misused to automate harmful tasks. Users should exercise caution when running scripts from untrusted sources and ensure scripts originate from reputable creators.