⌨️ jQuery Keyboard Events

? Quick Overview

jQuery keyboard events allow you to detect and respond to user keyboard interactions. These events are commonly used in form validation, search boxes, games, shortcuts, and accessibility features.

? Key Concepts

keydown() – Fires when a key is pressed down
keyup() – Fires when a key is released
keypress() – Fires when a key that produces a character is pressed
Event object provides key information

? Syntax / Theory

Keyboard events are attached using jQuery event methods. The callback function receives an event object containing key details.

? View Code Example

// Basic syntax for keyboard events
$("input").keydown(function(event){
    console.log(event.key);
});

? Code Example(s)

? View Code Example

// Detect keydown, keyup, and keypress events
$(document).ready(function(){
    $("#textBox").keydown(function(){
        $("#status").text("Key Down");
    });

    $("#textBox").keyup(function(){
        $("#status").text("Key Up");
    });

    $("#textBox").keypress(function(){
        $("#status").text("Key Pressed");
    });
});

? Live Output / Explanation

Explanation

When the user types inside the input field, different keyboard events are triggered. Each event updates the text dynamically, showing which keyboard action occurred.

? Interactive Example 1: Type Tester

Waiting for input...

? Interactive Example 2: Move the Box

Click inside the box area below to activate it, then use your Arrow Keys to move the blue square around. This demonstrates handling specific keys (ArrowUp, ArrowDown, etc.).

Click here & press Arrows

? Use Cases

Form validation while typing
Search suggestions (autocomplete)
Keyboard shortcuts
Game controls

? Tips & Best Practices

Prefer keydown and keyup over keypress
Use event properties like event.key and event.keyCode
Avoid heavy logic inside keyboard handlers

? Try It Yourself

Display the pressed key name on screen
Detect special keys like Enter or Escape
Create a simple keyboard shortcut