AutoHotkey EZ is a free and open source Library for AutoHotkey_L_v1.1.33.02

Objectives

1. Promote the use of Autohotkey for programmers of all skill levels and languages
2. Make Autohotkey Easy, Effective, and Fun to use
3. Minimize the confusion when to use percent signs: variable or %variable% ?
4. For AHK_L_v1.1 only, I have no plans to update for the forthcoming AHL_L_v2

AutoHotkey_L

AutoHotkey is a free, open source macro-creation and automation software utility that allows users to automate repetitive tasks. It is driven by a custom scripting language that is aimed specifically at providing keyboard shortcuts, otherwise known as hotkeys.

Links: Autohotkey Home and: Autohotkey on GitHub

How to Use

1. Download the Latest Release
2. Copy Lib\AHKEZ.ahk to your AHK Library folder
3. Add the following at the top of your AHK script: #Include <AHKEZ>
4. Try the Hello World example
5. Copy Lib\AHKEZ_API.ahk for use as a reference doc
6. Study the AHKEZ docs
7. Write code using AHK_L_v1 or AHKEZ, or both!
8. Enjoy writing AHK scripts with minimal confusion when to use variable or %variable%

AHKEZ Differences from AHK_L

1. Most commands have Function() wrappers that don't require percent signs: (var) vs. %var%
2. Most Gui commands have Gui() wrappers intended for quick creation of simple Guis
3. AHKEZ adds several functions, see Lib\AHKEZ.ahk and AHKEZ docs

AHKEZ Featured Items

1. AHKScripts - checkout the \Gui_Templates and the \Tools
2. Demo - Gui demos using AHKEZ
3. Doc - html docs
4. Lib - the AKEZ.ahk and other library scripts, especially AHKEZ_Debug.ahk
5. Manuals - Notes and guides
6. UnitTest - checkout Run_Tests.ahk for tests and examples

I can highly recommend the use of VSCode as an IDE for Autohotkey! I've documented A few easy steps to setup VSCode and a modified version of QuickLinks that is launched when VSCode starts. VSCode has virtually everything and QuickLinks will launch AHK-specific tools.

\Manuals\IDE\VSCode\VSCode_manual.txt

Why AHKEZ?

In summary, this is my 2020 COVID-19 Pandemic Quarantine Project to pass the time until the world can get back to work.

I've often had the need to automate tasks and keyboard shortcuts for my day job. I have a hobbyist background programming in Visual Basic and Pascal. The first scripting language I used was AutoIT which was very powerful but I found difficult to use and struggled with the syntax.

Recently I tried AutoHotkey and fell in love with it. However, as a hobbyist, I don't write code every day so when I want to write an AHK script I get stuck trying to figure out when to use the percent signs for variables or %variables%. I have the same issue with MSDOS.

I love AHK but I want to use it to write code without trying to remember the syntax and use of percent signs. AHKEZ solves this problem -- Now I can just write code and enjoy this amazing language!

Donations

If AHKEZ helps you in some way, then please buy me a cup of coffee by clicking on the "donation" button below. Thank you.