The AU3 file type is identified by the .AU3 file extension. A file extension is the second part of a computer file name and is separated from the base name by a dot. File extensions are usually three or four letter abbreviations of either the file type or the application that handles the file. The AU3 file extension is an example of this – it is used by the AutoIt v3 application.
AutoIt
- AutoIt is a scripting language with a format similar to the BASIC programming language. The language includes standard programming constructs like loops and conditional branching. The purpose of the application is to allow the creation of programs that perform tasks in the Windows operating system by emulating keystrokes and mouse movements. This is similar to a macro often used in spreadsheets or word processors. Macros also execute a series of the host application's own commands. AutoIt only uses the AU3 file extension for its third version. Previous versions used the AUT file extension.
Scripts
- Scripts are executed as a walk-through of the program text. As each action the script performs is a Windows program, the script really is like a batch file calling Windows programs in sequence to perform various tasks. It uses the services of Windows as though a user were sat at the computer manipulating Windows. A script does not compile into an executable file. When the creator saves a script is is given the AU3 file extension.
Alternative Formats
- Although the AU3 file denotes a script, AutoIt can produce other file types. An add-on program called Auto2Exe generates a compiled program with the EXE file extension from a written AU3 script. Alternatively a script can be compiled into a Dynamic Link Library to be used by other programs written in other languages. An AutoIt v3 AU3 script compiled into a DLL file has the DLL file extension.
Company
- AutoIt was created and is owned by Jonathan Bennett. The program is free and can be downloaded from the AutoIt web site. In March 2011, Bennett created AutoIt Consulting Ltd., based in Birmingham, England, to support the utility. Bennett has expanded the AutoIt application with a range of tools, such as a utility to create Graphical User Interfaces for programs running in Windows.
