How to set HotKey system-wide in c#

Question

In AutoIt v3 there's a function called: HotKeySet. It sets a hotkey that calls a user function when pressed. It's system wide hotkey meaning that the key when hotkey is set can't be used for anything else.

Basically I would like to catch ESC or any other key like $ ` etc and when user presses it anywhere even outside of the app it should let me know.

For example i would do like HotKeySet({ESC}) inside loop and when it's done program would wait for that key to be pressed before.

 public static void work() {
        while (true) {
            string task = null;
            lock (locker)
                if (tasks.Count > 0) {
                    task = tasks.Dequeue();
                    if (task == null) {
                        return;
                    }
                }
            if (task != null) {
                //MessageBox.Show("Performing task: " + task);
                Program.mainAnnounceWindow.setLogTextBox(task);
                Program.mainAnnounceWindow.setLogTrayTip(task);
                Program.windowStateChange("Show");
                // Set Hotkey Here
                SetHotkey(`);
                //Wait for hotkey to press when it's pressed... Execute some stuff 

                Thread.Sleep(5000); // simulate work...
                Program.windowStateChange("Hide");
            } else {
                wh.WaitOne(); // No more tasks - wait for a signal
            }
        }
    }

Answer 1

I think you need to setup a system hook...

Here is an example: http://www.axino.net/tutorial/2009/02/keylogger-in-c-introduction

Answer 2

You need to take a look at RegisterHotKey in user32.dll. Here's a good example at pinvoke.net: http://www.pinvoke.net/default.aspx/user32/RegisterHotKey.html