Writing KSL

KSL is the Keybind Scripting Language. It reads like JavaScript or Python, with real variables, functions, and control flow — plus keyboard-first constructs like bind and hotstring built into the language. This page covers the fundamentals; every builtin is in the Function Library.

Binds

A bind maps a key or combo to an action:

bind Ctrl+Alt+H => notify("Hello!")

# A multi-line body goes in braces
bind Win+Up => {
    snap_to("max")
    notify("Maximized")
}

Hotstrings

Type an abbreviation, get an expansion:

hotstring "kb"  => "Keybind"
hotstring "sll" => "Stanbren LLC"

Variables and types

Declare with let. Values are numbers, strings, booleans, null, arrays, and maps. String interpolation uses {...}:

let name  = "Ada"
let count = 3
let tags  = ["work", "urgent"]
let user  = { id: 1, name: "Ada" }

notify("Hello {name}, you have {count} items")

Functions

Functions are first-class — name them, or pass them inline as closures:

fn greet(name) {
    return "Hello, {name}"
}

let words = str_split("the quick brown fox", " ")
let long  = arr_filter(words, fn(w) { return str_len(w) > 3 })

Control flow

if count > 0 {
    notify("has items")
} else {
    notify("empty")
}

for word in words {
    notify(word)
}

Error handling

Wrap fallible calls in try/catch:

try {
    let data = file_read("C:/inbox/orders.csv")
} catch (e) {
    notify("Failed: {e.message}")
}

Capabilities

Anything sensitive — the filesystem, network, clipboard, launching processes, AI — is gated behind a capability. A script declares the ones it uses at the top, and Keybind asks your approval once, then remembers it:

#! requires: process, notify

on_load {
    on_interval(5000, fn() {
        if !process_exists("notepad.exe") { run("notepad.exe") }
    })
}

The tokens include filesystem, network, clipboard, process, window, display, notify, store, ai, and more. Declare only what you actually use — the Function Library lists the capability each builtin needs.

Resident scripts

A script that declares on_load, bind, hotstring, or a timer becomes a resident Script Module: it loads once, keeps persistent global state, and reacts to events in the background (great for always-on watchers). A plain per-fire snippet, by contrast, just runs and exits.

> The complete single-file language spec ships with the app and lists every builtin. For the searchable online version, see the Function Library.