AutoHotkey Language: Batch Renaming Compressed Files Example
Introduction
AutoHotkey (AHK) is a powerful scripting language for automating the Windows GUI and general scripting. It is often used for creating macros, automating repetitive tasks, and enhancing user experience. One common task that can be automated using AutoHotkey is the batch renaming of compressed files. This article will provide a comprehensive guide on how to create an AutoHotkey script to rename multiple compressed files in a directory.
Understanding Compressed Files
Before diving into the script, it's important to understand the types of compressed files we will be dealing with. The most common compressed file formats are ZIP, RAR, and 7z. Each format has its own structure and method of compression, but the basic idea is to store multiple files in a single container, often with a smaller overall file size.
Script Overview
The script will perform the following steps:
1. Prompt the user to select a directory containing compressed files.
2. List all compressed files in the selected directory.
3. Ask the user for a new naming pattern.
4. Rename each compressed file according to the provided pattern.
5. Display a confirmation message with the number of files renamed.
Step-by-Step Guide to Creating the Script
Step 1: Set Up Your Environment
First, ensure that you have AutoHotkey installed on your system. You can download it from the official website: https://www.autohotkey.com/
Step 2: Create a New Script File
Open Notepad or any text editor and save a new file with the `.ahk` extension, for example, `renameCompressedFiles.ahk`.
Step 3: Write the Script
Below is the AutoHotkey script that accomplishes the task described above:
ahk
NoEnv ; Recommended for performance and compatibility with future AutoHotkey versions
Warn ; Enable warnings to assist with detecting common errors
MaxThreadsPerHotkey 2
; Prompt the user to select a directory
InputBox, dir, Select Directory, Please select the directory containing compressed files:, , 400, 200
IfError, dir =
MsgBox, No directory selected. Exiting script.
ExitApp
; List all compressed files in the selected directory
files := Dir(files, "r C:.", 1)
Loop, Parse, files, `n
{
IfInString, A_LoopField, .zip
zipFiles .= A_LoopField . "`n"
IfInString, A_LoopField, .rar
rarFiles .= A_LoopField . "`n"
IfInString, A_LoopField, .7z
sevenZipFiles .= A_LoopField . "`n"
}
; Ask the user for a new naming pattern
InputBox, pattern, New Naming Pattern, Please enter the new naming pattern (e.g., "NewName%01d.zip"):,, 400, 200
IfError, pattern =
MsgBox, No naming pattern provided. Exiting script.
ExitApp
; Rename each compressed file according to the provided pattern
zipCount := 0
rarCount := 0
sevenZipCount := 0
Loop, Parse, zipFiles, `n
{
zipCount++
NewName := pattern . A_LoopField
FileMove, %A_LoopField%, %NewName%, 1
}
Loop, Parse, rarFiles, `n
{
rarCount++
NewName := pattern . A_LoopField
FileMove, %A_LoopField%, %NewName%, 1
}
Loop, Parse, sevenZipFiles, `n
{
sevenZipCount++
NewName := pattern . A_LoopField
FileMove, %A_LoopField%, %NewName%, 1
}
; Display a confirmation message
MsgBox, Renamed %zipCount% ZIP files, %rarCount% RAR files, and %sevenZipCount% 7z files.
Step 4: Save and Run the Script
Save the script file and double-click it to run. The script will prompt you to select a directory and enter a new naming pattern. After executing, it will display a message box with the number of files renamed.
Conclusion
This article has provided a step-by-step guide to creating an AutoHotkey script for batch renaming compressed files. By following the script's logic and understanding the code, you can customize it further to suit your specific needs. AutoHotkey is a versatile tool for automating various tasks on Windows, and the batch renaming of compressed files is just one example of its capabilities.
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