AutoHotkey

AutoHotkey is an open-source scripting language for Windows designed to automate the user interface and general tasks. It enables users to create small scripts that remap keys, implement keyboard shortcuts, automate mouse clicks and keystrokes, and automate repetitive workflows.

Scripts use the .ahk extension and run under the AutoHotkey interpreter. The language supports hotkeys and hotstrings, variables, expressions, functions, loops, and conditionals. It can also be compiled into an executable. There are two main branches: AutoHotkey v1 and AutoHotkey v2; v2 introduces a more consistent syntax and newer libraries, while v1 remains widely used; many scripts exist in the wild for v1.

Common capabilities include defining hotkeys and hotstrings, sending keystrokes and mouse actions, manipulating windows and controls, string and file operations, and GUI creation with built-in controls. It can automate interaction with almost any Windows application, and can integrate with COM objects and DLL calls for advanced tasks.

Development and distribution: the project is maintained by the community with an official site autohotkey.com that hosts documentation, downloads, and forums. A large repository of user-contributed scripts and utilities allows users to extend functionality without writing from scratch. There are third-party editors and IDEs, including SciTE-based environments and more.

Impact and usage: AutoHotkey is widely used to improve productivity, customize input methods, and automate repetitive tasks in office and software development environments. Because scripts can be simple remappings or complex automation workflows, it serves both casual users and power users.