autokeyqt

autokeyqt is a fork of the AutoKey automation utility. AutoKey is a scripting utility for Linux and X11. It allows users to automate repetitive tasks by defining phrases, abbreviations, and scripts that can be triggered by hotkeys or abbreviations. autokeyqt aims to provide a more modern and maintainable codebase for AutoKey, often by leveraging Qt for its graphical user interface.

The primary functionality of autokeyqt mirrors that of AutoKey. Users can create and manage a collection of text snippets (phrases) that can be inserted into any application by typing a short abbreviation or pressing a predefined hotkey. For example, a user might define an abbreviation "sig" to automatically expand to their full email signature. Beyond simple text expansion, autokeyqt supports Python scripting. This allows for more complex automation, such as manipulating windows, interacting with applications, or performing calculations. The scripting capabilities are a key feature, differentiating it from simpler text expansion tools.

The development of autokeyqt was motivated by a desire to improve the underlying technology and user experience of AutoKey. By using Qt, it can offer a more consistent and potentially more visually appealing interface across different desktop environments. The fork also allows developers to introduce new features or address bugs that may not be prioritized in the original AutoKey project. As a fork, autokeyqt often aims to maintain compatibility with existing AutoKey configurations while introducing its own enhancements.