In simple English
This tool lets you automate your Mac using small script files. You write instructions in a simple programming language called Lua. It can move windows, watch your battery, or change settings when you plug in headphones. It runs quietly in the background and costs nothing. You need to write your own code to make it do anything useful.
What it is
Hammerspoon is a bridge between the macOS operating system and a lightweight scripting engine. It exposes system functions through extensions so you can control your desktop environment.
What it is good for
Anyone who wants to control their Mac with keyboard shortcuts or custom background rules without buying commercial apps.
- Very low memory usage while running in the background.
- Huge library of community configurations to copy and adapt.
- Gives you deep control over window placement and system audio.
- Requires writing code in Lua to do anything at all.
- Setup takes time to learn the API and write your first script.
- Mac only, so it does not work on Windows or Linux.
Commercial window managers and menu bar utility apps.
A text editor like VS Code to edit your Lua configuration file.
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brew install hammerspoon --cask