Keyboard events in JavaScript are especially useful for capturing and responding to user interactions with the keyboard. These events are commonly used in forms, web games, accessibility, and many other areas where user input through the keyboard is essential. Below, the most common keyboard events and how to handle them in JavaScript are described.

Common Keyboard Events

keydown

The keydown event is triggered when a key is pressed.

Example:

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keyup

The keyup event is triggered when a key is released.

Example:

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keypress

The keypress event is triggered when a key is pressed and released (this event is considered obsolete and it is preferable to use keydown and keyup).

Example:

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Useful Keyboard Event Properties

• event.key: Returns the value of the key pressed, such as "a", "Enter", or "Esc".
• event.code: Returns the physical code of the key on the keyboard, such as "KeyA", "Enter", or "Escape".
• event.shiftKey, event.ctrlKey, event.altKey, event.metaKey: Return true if the Shift, Ctrl, Alt, or Meta keys were pressed when the event was triggered.

Advanced Example:

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Detecting Text Input and Validation

Keyboard events are very useful for performing real-time validation as the user types in a text field.

Real-Time Validation Example:

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Compatibility Considerations

As with other events, it is important to note that keyboard events may behave differently in different browsers and devices. For example, some mobile keyboards may not trigger the same events as physical keyboards.

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Conclusion

Handling keyboard events in JavaScript is essential for creating interactive and accessible web applications. With these events, you can capture and respond to user actions, providing a richer and more dynamic user experience.