AutoIt is a freeware BASIC-like scripting language designed for automating the Windows GUI and general scripting.
AutoIt will use a combination of simulated keystrokes, window/control manipulation and mouse movement in order to automate tasks in a way not possible or reliable with other languages (e.g. VBScript and SendKeys).
When you start AutoIt you will be asked to open a script file. A script file is a simple text file containing AutoIt keywords and functions that tell AutoIt what you want it to do. Script files are created in a simple text editor such as notepad.exe or a much better alternative.
Although AutoIt v3 scripts are just plain-text files they are usually given the file extension .au3 to help tell the difference between a script and a text file. If you used the full installer to install AutoIt you can execute an AutoIt script simply by double-clicking it. There are also various options to open, edit, or compile a script if you right-click on the .au3 file.
It is possible to take your .au3 script and compile it into a standalone executable; this executable can be used without the need for AutoIt to be installed and without the need to have AutoIt3.exe on the machine.
In addition, the compiled script is compressed and encrypted and there is the option to bind additional files (also compressed/encrypted) to the exe using the FileInstall function. Also, any #include files will also be compiled into the script so they are not required at run-time.
Here are some key features of "AutoIt": · Provide a general-purpose scripting language for all Windows versions
· Simulate keystrokes (supports most keyboard layouts)
· Simulate mouse movements and clicks
· Move, resize and manipulate windows
· Interact directly with "controls" on a window (set/get text from edit controls, check boxes and radio buttons, select items in drop-down lists, etc.)
· Create complex user interfaces (GUIs)
· Work with the clipboard to cut/paste text items
