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Thread: how to make your program listen for input when it isn't the main focus?

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    Default how to make your program listen for input when it isn't the main focus?

    basically i'm making a program that listens for user input when it isn't the main focus and then outputs keyboard presses appropriately.

    IE

    i'm typing in notepad and push f5 lets say, the program realizes this and then mimics keyboard presses using Robot...


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    Default Re: how to make your program listen for input when it isn't the main focus?

    using windows vista

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    Senile Half-Wit Freaky Chris's Avatar
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    Default Re: how to make your program listen for input when it isn't the main focus?

    This is not possible in Pure Java due to the fact it runs on a VM. What you are after is a keyboard hook. Which must be written externally (making it platform dependant) and linked in using the likes of JNI. As it happens I am in the middle of doing this, and it's not straight forward I have to say, but that might just be my lack of experience and I am after all just a novice programmer. But I'd take a look at this thread.

    http://www.javaprogrammingforums.com...oard-hook.html

    Regards,
    Chris

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    Default Re: how to make your program listen for input when it isn't the main focus?

    thanks for your help i've realized c++ is the better way to go

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    Default Re: how to make your program listen for input when it isn't the main focus?

    Are you writing your own notepad-like program? If so, check here.

    If not, go with what the other people are saying.

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    Default Re: how to make your program listen for input when it isn't the main focus?

    i'm actually trying to make program that listens for keyboard input while it is in the background

    for instance i'm playing a game and i press f5, i want the program to realize this (while its in the background) and push certain key combinations for me

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    Default Re: how to make your program listen for input when it isn't the main focus?

    So basically you are trying to write a game automation bot for something such as WoW...by the sounds of it.

    Chris

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    Default Re: how to make your program listen for input when it isn't the main focus?

    yeah mainly for games but i dont play wow :p

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    mmm.. coffee JavaPF's Avatar
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    Default Re: how to make your program listen for input when it isn't the main focus?

    Quote Originally Posted by Freaky Chris View Post
    So basically you are trying to write a game automation bot for something such as WoW...by the sounds of it.

    Chris
    This seems to be what most people want to do with this sort of application. I like the idea of being able to automate keystrokes in games. Programming magic...

    Shame it's not so easy in Java!
    Please use [highlight=Java] code [/highlight] tags when posting your code.
    Forum Tip: Add to peoples reputation by clicking the button on their useful posts.

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    Default Re: how to make your program listen for input when it isn't the main focus?

    Well you never know then, maybe my C++ hook, which might I add is coming along qute nicely now just need to get down and finish it and hope that it all works since function testing is quite hard / impossible lmao so its just do and pray it works first time xD

    But ye It might be quite popular, be it for a good use or not hehe xD

    Chris

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