Easy to use AutoHotkey/AutoIT alternatives for Linux
- by Xeddy
Hi all,
I'm looking for recommendations for an easy-to-use GUI automation/macro platform for Linux.
If you're familiar with AutoHotkey or AutoIT on Windows, then you know exactly the kind of features I need, with the level of complexity. If you aren't familiar, then here's a small code snippet of how easy it is to use AHK:
InputBox, varInput, Please enter some random text...
Run, notepad.exe
WinWaitActive, Untitled - Notepad
SendInput, %varInput%
SendInput, !f{Up}{Enter}{Enter}
WinWaitActive, Save
SendInput, SomeRandomFile{Enter}
MsgBox, Your text`, %varInput% has been saved using notepad!
#n::Run, notepad.exe
Now the above example, although a bit pointless, is a demo of the sort of functionality and simplicity I'm looking for. Here's an explanation for those who don't speak AHK:
----Start of Explanation of Code ----
Asks user to input some text and stores it in varInput
Runs notepad.exe
Waits till window exists and is active
Sends the contents of varInput as a series of keystrokes
Sends keystrokes to go to File - Exit
Waits till the "Save" window is active
Sends some more keystrokes
Shows a Message Box with some text and the contents of a variable
Registers a hotkey, Win+N, which when pressed executes notepad.exe
----End of Explanation----
So as you can understand, the features are quite obvious: Ability to easily simulate keyboard and mouse functions, read input, process and display output, execute programs, manipulate windows, register hotkeys, etc.. all being done without requiring any #includes, unnecessary brackets, class declarations etc. In short: Simple.
Now I've played around a bit with Perl and Python, but its definitely no AHK. They're great for more advanced stuff, but surely, there has to be some tool out there for easy GUI automation?
PS: I've already tried running AHK with Wine but sending keystrokes and hotkeys don't work.
