inpctrl

inpctrl is a simple, cross-platform, header-only C++ library to handle keyboard and mouse input for macros and automation tools. It supports Windows and Linux (macOS is not supported).

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Features

• Check if a key is currently pressed
• Press, hold, and release keys programmatically
• Move the mouse relative to its current position
• Map between human-readable key names and system key codes
• Thread-safe key state tracking
• Pure header-only, no compilation required

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How It Works

Windows

• Uses GetAsyncKeyState to detect key states
• Installs a low-level keyboard hook for accurate key tracking
• Sends input events via SendInput for simulating key presses/releases
• Mouse movement is simulated with SendInput relative motion

Linux

• Reads /dev/input/event* devices for real-time key states
• Sends synthetic key/mouse events via uinput
• Maps Windows virtual key codes to evdev key codes for consistency
• Uses a dedicated thread to listen for input events and update key states

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Installation

Simply include the header in your project:

#include "inpctrl.hpp"

No compilation or linking is required.

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Usage Example

#include "inpctrl.hpp"
#include <iostream>

int main() {
    inpctrl::CrossInput input;

    if (!input.init()) {
        std::cerr << "Failed to initialize input system!" << std::endl;
        return 1;
    }

    // Press and release the 'A' key
    input.pressKey(inpctrl::CrossInput::Key::A);

    // Move mouse 100 pixels right and 50 pixels down
    input.moveMouse(100, 50);

    input.cleanup();
    return 0;
}

You can also hold and release keys manually:

input.holdKey(inpctrl::CrossInput::Key::Space);
// do something while holding Space
input.releaseKey(inpctrl::CrossInput::Key::Space);

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Functions

Windows-only helpers

• bool initWindows()
  Initializes Windows input system with hook and async key tracking.

• void cleanupWindows()
  Cleans up hook and input resources.

• void holdKeyWindows(unsigned int vkCode)
  Simulates pressing a key.

• void releaseKeyWindows(unsigned int vkCode)
  Simulates releasing a key.

• void moveMouseWindows(int dx, int dy)
  Moves the mouse relative to current position.

Linux-only helpers

• bool initLinux()
  Initializes Linux input system via /dev/input and uinput.

• void cleanupLinux()
  Cleans up file descriptors and virtual device.

• void holdKeyLinux(unsigned int evdevCode)
  Simulates pressing a key.

• void releaseKeyLinux(unsigned int evdevCode)
  Simulates releasing a key.

• void moveMouseLinux(int dx, int dy)
  Moves the mouse relative to current position.

• unsigned int toEvdevCode(unsigned int vkCode)
  Converts Windows virtual key code to Linux evdev code.

• unsigned int fromEvdevCode(unsigned int evdevCode)
  Converts Linux evdev code back to Windows virtual key code.

Cross-platform functions

• bool init()
  Initializes the input system (Windows or Linux).

• void cleanup()
  Cleans up resources.

• bool isKeyPressed(Key key)
  Returns true if the key is currently pressed.

• void holdKey(Key key)
  Press and hold a key.

• void releaseKey(Key key)
  Release a key.

• void pressKey(Key key, int delayMs = 50)
  Press and release a key with optional delay.

• void moveMouse(int dx, int dy)
  Move the mouse relative to its current position.

• std::string getKeyName(Key key)
  Returns a human-readable name for a key.

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License

MIT License. See LICENSE file.

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Credits

• @quuuut on github.
• https://github.com/Spencer0187/Spencer-Macro-Utilities for the examples.