ControlSend function doesn't work

[Gyba]

Hi everyone,

I am new to AutoIt so my question might sound stupid. I try to create a simple script that will open a program (let's say Notepad) and then write a simple sentence in it. I use the below code:

Quote

Run("Notepad.exe")
WinActivate("Untitled - Notepad")
ControlSend("Untitled - Notepad", "", "[CLASS:Edit; INSTANCE:1]", "simple sentence", 0)

The Notepad window opens but the "simple sentence" text is not written inside.

If I have the Notepad already open, the ControlSend function works perfectly. See example below:

Quote

WinActivate("Untitled - Notepad")
ControlSend("Untitled - Notepad", "", "[CLASS:Edit; INSTANCE:1]", "simple sentence", 0)

I had a look in the ControlSend help, on this forum, on Google, but still, no explanation why when used after Run function ControlSend doesn't work. 

Any ideas on why this happens and how to fix it?

Thank you!

[BrewManNH]

Try this, you probably need to wait for Notepad to open before trying to activate and write to it.

Run("Notepad.exe")
Sleep(1000) ; <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
WinActivate("Untitled - Notepad")
ControlSend("Untitled - Notepad", "", "[CLASS:Edit; INSTANCE:1]", "simple sentence", 0)

 

[Earthshine]

Run("Notepad.exe")
WinWait("Untitled - Notepad")
ControlSend("Untitled - Notepad", "", "[CLASS:Edit; INSTANCE:1]", "simple sentence", 0)

Use WinWait to wait for notepad to be ready for command

Edited February 6, 2018 by Earthshine

[jdelaney]

Throw in a winwait before winactivate.  You can also add in a winwaitactive after winactivate.

[Earthshine]

i tested my code, works. if i post stuff here, probability is close to 1 that I tested it

Edited February 6, 2018 by Earthshine

[jdelaney]

If you want to be real anal,you should wait for the window to be present, visible, and enabled.   Same with the control, with an added focus.   if you do that, your script's success rate will increase dramatically.  Especially as it becomes more complex.

[Earthshine]

I know, I wrote a function that waits for controls... LOL logs it all too so you can see what it is looking for. and I never use static sleep values unless there is no other option. dynamic waiting is what automated testing is all about.

Edited February 6, 2018 by Earthshine

[Gyba]

Wow, thank you for your quick reply. It seems like the solution is 

WinWait("Untitled - Notepad")

function.

Thank you so much.