AutoHotkey Language: Batch Deletion of Files by Size
Introduction
AutoHotkey is a powerful scripting language for automating tasks on Windows. It allows users to create scripts that can automate repetitive tasks, such as file operations, system settings, and more. In this article, we will explore how to create an AutoHotkey script that can batch delete files larger than a specified size. This can be particularly useful for cleaning up disk space or managing large files on a network.
Understanding the Problem
The task at hand is to write an AutoHotkey script that will:
1. Prompt the user to specify the maximum file size for deletion.
2. Search for files larger than the specified size in a given directory.
3. Confirm with the user before deleting each file.
4. Delete the files if the user confirms.
Script Structure
The script will be structured as follows:
1. Initialization: Set up the script environment and define variables.
2. User Input: Ask the user for the maximum file size and the directory to search.
3. File Search: Loop through the files in the specified directory and check their size.
4. User Confirmation: Prompt the user to confirm the deletion of each file.
5. File Deletion: Delete the file if the user confirms.
6. Completion: Inform the user of the script's completion and any files that were not deleted.
The AutoHotkey Script
ahk
NoEnv ; Recommended for performance and compatibility with future AutoHotkey versions
Warn ; Enable warnings to assist with detecting common errors
MaxThreadsPerHotkey 2
; Function to prompt the user for the maximum file size
GetMaxFileSize() {
InputBox, MaxFileSize, Maximum File Size, Please enter the maximum file size (in KB) to delete:, , 200, 100
if ErrorLevel {
MsgBox, User cancelled the input.
ExitApp
}
return MaxFileSize
}
; Function to prompt the user for the directory to search
GetSearchDirectory() {
InputBox, SearchDirectory, Search Directory, Please enter the directory to search for files:, , 200, 100
if ErrorLevel {
MsgBox, User cancelled the input.
ExitApp
}
return SearchDirectory
}
; Function to delete a file with user confirmation
DeleteFileWithConfirmation(filePath) {
MsgBox, Are you sure you want to delete %filePath%?
IfMsgBox, Yes {
FileDelete, %filePath%
MsgBox, File deleted successfully.
} else {
MsgBox, File deletion cancelled.
}
}
; Main script execution
MaxFileSize := GetMaxFileSize()
SearchDirectory := GetSearchDirectory()
Loop, Files, %SearchDirectory%., 2
{
fileStat := FileGetAttr, %A_LoopFileName%
if (fileStat & 2) { ; Check if the file is readable
fileSize := FileGetSize, %A_LoopFileName%
if (fileSize > MaxFileSize 1024) { ; Convert KB to bytes
DeleteFileWithConfirmation(A_LoopFileName)
}
}
}
MsgBox, Script completed. All eligible files have been checked.
Explanation of the Script
1. Initialization: The script starts by disabling the environment variables and enabling warnings for better error detection.
2. User Input: The `GetMaxFileSize` and `GetSearchDirectory` functions use `InputBox` to prompt the user for the maximum file size and the directory to search, respectively.
3. File Search: The script uses a `Loop` to iterate over all files in the specified directory. It checks if the file is readable and then compares its size to the maximum file size specified by the user.
4. User Confirmation: For each file larger than the specified size, the `DeleteFileWithConfirmation` function is called, which prompts the user to confirm the deletion.
5. File Deletion: If the user confirms, the `FileDelete` function is used to delete the file.
6. Completion: After the loop completes, a message box informs the user that the script has finished processing.
Conclusion
This AutoHotkey script provides a simple yet effective way to batch delete files larger than a specified size. It can be easily modified to include additional features, such as recursive directory searching or excluding certain file types. By automating this task, users can save time and ensure that their disk space is managed efficiently.
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