The scripting language in AutoIt 1 and 2 was statement-driven and designed primarily for simulating user interaction.

From version 3 onward, the AutoIt syntax is similar to that found in the BASIC family of languages.

The compiler and help text are fully integrated and provide a de facto standard environment for developers using AutoIt.

The free and open-source AutoHotkey project derived 29 of its functions from the AutoIt 3.1 source code.

It is also used to simulate user interaction, whereby an application is "driven" (via automated form entry, keypresses, mouse clicks, and so on) to do things by an AutoIt script.