Overview

AutoIt is a unique proprietary scripting language platform that is designed to facilitate the automation of tasks within the Windows graphical user interface. It gives developers the ability to automate keystrokes, window functions, mouse movement, and virtually every other action that can be performed within the operating system.

Installation

Considering that this scripting language is meant to be used by intermediate to advanced users, the simplicity of the installation is somewhat surprising. AutoIt is completely self-contained, so all you have to do is launch the program and a command line interface will appear in which you can begin writing scripts. Compatible with all recent versions of Windows, including 2000, 2003, 2008, XP, Vista, and 7.

Interface

It should be noted that this program does not include a graphical user interface like those typically seen in other Windows applications, and is instead a more basic DOS-like command box in which you can input scripts. Of course, this means you'll need to become familiar with the various scripts that can be used and how they can be combined to create automated applications. Fortunately, the syntax is similar to that of the BASIC scripting language, so even novice developers should be able to quickly familiarize themselves with it.

Pros

• Lets you simulate mouse movements and keystrokes

• You can use scripts to manipulate system processes and Windows

• Lets you create custom graphical user interfaces (GUIs) for your applications

• Integrated help documentation and a massive community/support forum of users makes it easy to find answers to inquiries

• Supports Unicode and 64-bit operating systems

• Is capable of automating every action that can be performed within the Windows operating system. You can even automate User Account Control (UAC) tasks within Vista

• Lets you call Windows API and external DLL functions directly

• Extremely compact file size so very little system resources are used during operation. Since AutoIt is not resource intensive it leaves more Random Access Memory (RAM) to be used for the purpose of executing scripts

• Lets you compile created scripts into standalone executable (.exe) files

• Offers an extensive number of string handling functions and has an expression engine that is compatible with PERL

• Includes an integrated script editor (a lite version of SciTe) with syntax highlighting capabilities

• No installation is required, so you don't have to deal with lengthy runtimes

Cons

• May be a bit too complex for novice developers who are not familiar with the BASIC scripting language.

Alternatives

Similar scripting applications include AutoKey, AutoHotkey, Sikuli, Quick Macros, and Winparrot. Of these competitors, AutoHotKey is the most popular and is preferred by many because it lets you create macros by recording your mouse/keyboard input and then duplicating it on an automated basis. Thus, AutoHotKey may be a more ideal software for inexperienced users who need a basic automation solution.

Conclusion

If you're looking for a powerful scripting language that can automate literally every task that can be performed within the Windows operating system, AutoIt offers an excellent solution with unprecedented capabilities and superb support for other scripting components.