2

I'm curious to know how Top RPA tools like AA and UiPath simulate keystroke to the applications. I've built a application with use of Keybd_event to simulate keystrokes but i keep facing the issue of scan code parameter of keybd_event - as it required to perform keystroke in Citrix environment.

private void PressKeyVK(int eKeys, bool bHoldKeydown, bool bRelease)
    {
        int lScan, lExtended;

        lScan = MapVirtualKey(eKeys, 1);
        lExtended = 0;
        if (lScan == 0)
            lExtended = (int)KeyBoardEventEnums.KEYEVENTF_EXTENDEDKEY;
        lScan = MapVirtualKey(eKeys, 0);

        if (!bRelease)
            keybd_event((byte)eKeys, (byte)lScan, (uint)lExtended, UIntPtr.Zero);
        if (!bHoldKeydown)
            keybd_event((byte)eKeys, (byte)lScan, (uint)KeyBoardEventEnums.KEYEVENTF_KEYUP | (uint)lExtended, UIntPtr.Zero);
    }

where as below code works well on citrix environment but have issues with local applications.

lScan = MapVirtualKey(eKeys, 1); //flag 1: returns virtual key code of scan code eKeys.

If flag 2 is used it works well in local applications but SHIFT , ESC and Function keys not working citrix applications.

Please suggest that how the flag can be used to have this code worked in both citrix and local applications.

API references :

MapVirtualKey MSDN

Keybd_event MSDN

nagarajannd
  • 715
  • 5
  • 11

1 Answers1

1

RPA Tools uses different technology for different layer of application. For Local machines mostly by SendMessage() and PostMessage() APIs. For thin layer applications such as RDP and Citrix it simulates software keypress similar to Application.Sendkeys().

Thej Kumar P
  • 25
  • 5
  • `Application.Sendkeys` are not fully compatible with Citrix transparent window clients. in C# `System.Windows.Forms.SendKeys.Send("{F4}");` has no effect. Application: IE opened via Citrix XenApp – nagarajannd Jun 22 '18 at 09:58