This project is the first of many I am working on with each one building on top of each other and increasing in complexity. I usually prototype in PowerShell, Python and AutoHotKey, then write a C++ version once the project is more established.
You can read the financial transparency statement here.
If this project is successfully funded I will be able to release more open source projects.
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This project is the first in a series with the goal of creating a workflow you can use on your computer to get your work done as efficiently as possible.
While I highly recommend incorporating this workflow into your routine for optimal efficiency in completing tasks, I also encourage you not to limit yourself exclusively to this method. Exploring different workflows can be a rewarding experience, offering valuable insights and potentially contributing to further improvements in this particular workflow. Feel free to experiment and find what works best for you in various contexts, whether at work or during more exploratory computer activities. This project aims to provide a reliable and efficient set of tools for your everyday tasks, but the beauty of technology lies in its diversity, allowing you to adapt and explore as needed.
The purpose of this specific project is provide a set of tools to help learn to solely use the keyboard for more tasks because it should be more efficient than using a mouse or track pad in a lot of cases. It also lays the groundwork for future projects that help you use the keyboard more efficiently.
I figured out the best way to learn to use the keyboard more is by intentionally using the mouse less. This may seem obvious but it can be trickier than you would think to get out of the habit of using the mouse or track pad.
Originally what I tried was placing my mouse further away from myself. What I found was there are some tasks that sometimes require using a mouse and others that require it to be used almost the entire time. This led to me moving the mouse closer for the tasks that required it and this ultimately led to using the mouse more overall again which wasn't my goal.
What I ended up doing was using AutoHotKey to write some scripts to help. These scripts help limit mouse usage so that you remember to use the keyboard more.
There are three AutoHotKey scripts
This script disables the task bar so that it is easier to get into the habit of using the keyboard to switch windows. The task bar can be temporary re-enabled with a shortcut. The default shortcut is Ctrl + 0 and the amount of time before the task bar is hidden again is 10 seconds. I recommend having this script running most of time as part of the workflow. I find this one extremely useful.
In the script there is a extra sleep that is commented out. Enabling this line can help when your having a difficult time getting out of the habit of using the task bar to switch windows. Another tip is to occasionally change the shortcut if find yourself using it more than you want to.
This script makes it so that to use the mouse buttons and mouse wheel, caps lock must be held. This also helps you be more mindful about mouse usage. I also recommend having this script running a majority of the time.
You can use this script when your really trying to be more aware and limit mouse usage such as when your learning a new shortcut. It adds wait times between mouse clicks. After a certain amount of clicks, the wait time is increased. It is reset after a certain amount of time. It also requires capslock to be held. It can be a little frustrating sometimes but it can help you persist in learning more advanced keyboard shortcuts.
Script to disable dock and temporary show it.
First install AutoHotKey to be able to run the scripts.
Next simply download the repository and run the scripts.
Contributions are more than welcome. Open an issue and submit a pull request if you have one. Please be respectful.
My goal with this project and future ones is to keep them as simple as possible. I don’t want to add unnecessary features but am more than willing to explore variations to the scripts. If there are any ideas for useful variations to the scripts, a settings panel can be added to the scripts.
If this project is of any use to you or you interested in my future projects, you can help fund my work.
On my sponsors profile you can read more about the overall mission with my projects.
Please read the financial transparency statement here if you haven't already.
You can contact me by email regarding feedback or questions on the project.