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Enter key
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On computer keyboards, the enter key ⌅ Enter and return key ↵ Return are two closely related keys with overlapping and distinct functions dependent on operating system and application.
Functions
[edit]The return key has its origins in two typewriter functions: carriage return, which would reset the carriage to the beginning of the line of text, and line feed, which would advance the paper one line downward. These were often combined into a single return key, a convention that continues in modern computer word processing to insert a paragraph break (¶).[1]

The enter key is a computer innovation, which in most cases causes the active user interface to operate its default function.
- For command lines, this is typically to execute the entered command.[2]
- For dialog boxes, it is an alternative to clicking the preselected button, usually an OK button.
- For the address bar of a web browser or file manager, it is displaying the web page or folder that the typed address refers to.
- For calculator programs, it is calculating the result of the typed expression.
On modern computers both keys generally have all the functions of the other, allowing for either key to be used, or even for them to be combined into a single key, as is the case with most laptops. Microsoft Windows makes no distinction between them whatsoever,[citation needed] and usually both keys are labelled as enter on Windows keyboards with the United States layout. Other operating systems, such as Apple's Darwin-based operating systems, generally treat them equivalently while still maintaining the technical and descriptive distinction, allowing applications to treat the two keys differently if necessary.
Location
[edit]The enter key is typically located to the right of the 3 and . keys on the lower right of the numeric keypad, while the return key is situated on the right edge of the main alphanumeric portion of the keyboard. On ISO and JIS keyboards, return is a stepped double-height key spanning the second and third rows, below ⌫ Backspace and above the right-hand ⇧ Shift.[3] On ANSI keyboards it is wider but located on the third row only, as the backslash \ key is located between it and ⌫ Backspace.

Some variants of the ANSI keyboard layout create a double-height return key by subsuming the backslash \ key into it. This alternate form is most popular in Asia. However, this requires the relocation of the backslash key and is relatively uncommon on modern keyboards elsewhere.[4]
Keyboard symbols
[edit]
The return key symbol is U+23CE ⏎ RETURN SYMBOL, an arrow pointing down and leftward; however, rendering of the symbol varies greatly by typeface, with it appearing hollow in some or with an additional initial rightward bar in others. For this reason, U+21B5 ↵ DOWNWARDS ARROW WITH CORNER LEFTWARDS or U+21A9 ↩ LEFTWARDS ARROW WITH HOOK are sometimes used instead.[5] On most ISO and other keyboards worldwide the return key is labelled solely with the ⏎ symbol across all platforms. Meanwhile, on ANSI US keyboards it is labelled as ↵ Enter by Windows OEMs (sometimes even without the return symbol) and as return by Apple.[6]
For enter, U+2386 ⎆ ENTER SYMBOL exists in Unicode for the ISO 9995-7 enter key symbol;[7] however, it is infrequently used, one example being the French Canadian keyboard.[8] Windows keyboards worldwide tend to simply label the key with the text ↵ Enter, while Apple uses the symbol ⌤ (U+2324 ⌤ UP ARROWHEAD BETWEEN TWO HORIZONTAL BARS[9] or U+2305 ⌅ PROJECTIVE) on ISO and JIS keyboards and the text ⌅ enter on ANSI US keyboards;[10] this is acknowledged by an annotation "enter key" on U+2324 in the Unicode code chart.[7]
History
[edit]
On IBM's 3270 and 5250 line of terminals, the Enter key was located to the right of the space bar and was used to send the contents of the terminal's buffer to the host computer. The Return key was located in a more standard location and was used to generate a new line.
Apple also took advantage of this situation to create an editable command line environment called a "Worksheet" in the Macintosh Programmer's Workshop, where return was used strictly as a formatting key while enter was used to execute a shell command or series of commands in direct mode. This strict dichotomy has since been relaxed, so that now there are very few situations within macOS where enter and return are not equivalent.
One example of this continued division of use is the type tool in Adobe Photoshop, where the return key produces a new line while the enter key ends editing mode. Another is Mathematica, where the Return key creates a new line, while the Enter key (or Shift-Return) submits the current command for execution.
Historically, many computer models did not have a separate keypad, and only had one button to function as Enter or Return. For example, the Commodore 64 (manufactured from 1982) had only the "Return" key. Most laptop computers continue in this combined tradition.
Before computers, on electric typewriters the "Return" key was kept comparatively large. This is due to the frequency of usage (including the space bar) and is therefore kept large to reduce the likelihood of finger slips.[citation needed]
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ "return key". Cambridge Dictionary. Cambridge University Press. 2020. Retrieved 2020-09-14.
- ^ "Enter key". PCMag. Ziff Davis, LLC. Retrieved 2020-09-14.
- ^ "ISO/IEC 9995-1:2009 Information technology — Keyboard layouts for text and office systems — Part 1: General principles governing keyboard layouts". International Organization for Standardization. 2009.
- ^ "Return key". Deskthority Wiki. Deskthority. Retrieved 2020-09-14.
- ^ Lee, Xah (2010-09-03). "Keyboard Symbols ⌘ ⏎ ⌫". Σ Xah Code. Retrieved 2020-08-31.
- ^ "Mac Accessories". Apple Inc. Retrieved 2020-09-14.
- ^ a b "Miscellaneous Technical" (PDF). Unicode Standard. Unicode Consortium.
- ^ Jobin, Maxime (2012-03-27). "Where are [ and ] in a French keyboard?". Ask Different. Stack Exchange.
- ^ Apple Computer (2005-04-05). "Map (external version) from Mac OS Keyboard character set to Unicode 4.0 and later". Unicode Consortium.
0x04 0x2324 # UP ARROWHEAD BETWEEN TWO HORIZONTAL BARS # Enter key
- ^ Weaks, Joe (2005-05-15). "Special Key Symbols". The Macintosh Biblioblog. BlogSpot. Retrieved 2012-09-19.
| Esc | F1 | F2 | F3 | F4 | F5 | F6 | F7 | F8 | F9 | F10 | F11 | F12 | PrtScn/ SysRq |
Scroll Lock |
Pause/ Break |
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| Insert | Home | PgUp | Num Lock |
∕ | ∗ | − | ||||||||||||||||||
| Delete | End | PgDn | 7 | 8 | 9 | + | ||||||||||||||||||
| 4 | 5 | 6 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| ↑ | 1 | 2 | 3 | Enter | ||||||||||||||||||||
| ← | ↓ | → | 0 Ins |
. Del | ||||||||||||||||||||
Enter key
View on GrokipediaOverview
Definition and Purpose
The Enter key is a fundamental component of computer keyboards, designed to signal the completion of a line of text or the execution of a command by advancing the cursor to the beginning of the next line or initiating a specified action.[4] Also known as the Return key, it serves as the primary means for users to finalize input without needing to use a mouse or additional keystrokes for navigation.[5] While the terms "Enter" and "Return" are often used interchangeably, they can refer to distinct keys on certain keyboard layouts, such as those with a numeric keypad where the taller key is labeled Enter and the main alphanumeric one is labeled Return, though both typically perform similar functions in most applications.[6] The primary purpose of the Enter key is to streamline user interaction in text-based and graphical interfaces by providing a direct method to end an input sequence, such as confirming data entry in forms or separating paragraphs in documents.[7] This functionality enhances efficiency, allowing users to progress through tasks seamlessly, whether in word processing, command-line environments, or dialog boxes.[8] By pressing Enter, users avoid the need for alternative navigation tools, making it an essential element for accessibility and productivity in computing.[4] At its core, the mechanics of the Enter key involve transmitting a specific control character in the ASCII standard: the carriage return (CR), represented by decimal code 13 (hexadecimal 0D).[9] This signal instructs the system to return the cursor to the start of the following line, emulating the behavior of typewriters. In some operating systems, such as Windows, this may combine with a line feed (LF, ASCII 10) to form a newline sequence, but the key itself primarily generates the CR code.[9]Role in User Interfaces
In command-line interfaces (CLIs), the Enter key serves as the primary mechanism for executing typed commands, signaling the end of input and initiating processing by the shell or interpreter. For instance, in Unix-like systems such as Bash, users enter a command followed by arguments and press Enter to run it, which sends a newline character to the shell for execution.[10] Similarly, in Microsoft's Command Prompt and PowerShell, pressing Enter after typing a command or cmdlet triggers its execution, enabling efficient workflow in terminal environments.[11] On macOS Terminal, the Return key (equivalent to Enter) performs this function, executing tools or scripts after entering their pathnames and parameters.[12] This consistent behavior across platforms streamlines command execution, reducing reliance on mouse interactions and supporting automation in scripting. In graphical user interfaces (GUIs), the Enter key facilitates confirmation of user selections and actions within dialogs, enhancing intuitive navigation and decision-making. On Windows, it activates the default button in modal or modeless dialog boxes, such as OK or Yes, thereby processing the user's input without requiring a mouse click.[13] For example, in a file deletion confirmation dialog, pressing Enter after focusing the affirmative option completes the operation. On macOS, the Return key performs an analogous role, triggering the primary or default action button in sheets and alerts, as outlined in Apple's Human Interface Guidelines, which emphasize its use for safe, affirming actions.[14] This integration promotes efficient task completion in applications like web browsers or productivity software, where Enter confirms form submissions or dialog closures. Accessibility features extend the Enter key's utility by accommodating diverse user needs, including mappings to alternative inputs for those with disabilities. Under Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1, keyboard-operable interfaces require Enter to activate focused interactive elements, such as buttons or links, ensuring full functionality without a pointing device for users with motor impairments.[15] Voice control systems, like Microsoft's Voice Access, allow users to simulate Enter by verbal commands (e.g., saying "Enter" to submit text or activate controls), bridging gaps for individuals with limited physical mobility.[16] Adaptive hardware, such as switch interfaces or large-key keyboards, often remaps physical switches to emulate Enter, enabling activation of commands or confirmations for users with severe motor challenges, as seen in devices like the Xbox Adaptive Controller or proximity switches.[17] These adaptations foster inclusive workflows, aligning CLI and GUI interactions with broader usability standards.Functions
Text and Line Management
In most text editors and command-line interfaces, pressing the Enter key inserts a newline character or sequence, advancing the cursor to the beginning of the next line. On Windows systems, this typically adds a carriage return followed by a line feed (CR+LF, ASCII codes 13 and 10), while on Unix-like systems such as Linux and macOS, it inserts only a line feed (LF, ASCII code 10). This behavior ensures compatibility with platform-specific file formats and display conventions.[18][19] In word processors like Microsoft Word, the Enter key creates a new paragraph rather than a simple line break, applying default paragraph spacing and formatting to the subsequent text. This distinguishes it from Shift+Enter, which inserts a soft line break within the same paragraph without adding extra spacing. Similarly, in Google Docs, pressing Enter generates a new paragraph with associated styling, while Shift+Enter produces a line break that maintains the current paragraph's properties. These mechanisms support structured document creation by separating content into logical blocks.[20][21] The Enter key's function varies between single-line and multi-line input fields in user interfaces, particularly in web forms. In single-line elements like HTML , it often triggers form submission or default actions rather than inserting a newline. In contrast, multi-line elements such as [23]Form Submission and Commands
In web forms, the Enter key serves as a standard mechanism for implicit submission, where pressing it while focused on a text input field triggers the form to send data to the server, provided the form contains a submit button and no other elements block the action.[22] This behavior aligns with platform conventions in browsers, allowing users to complete and submit forms efficiently without additional clicks, as long as the input is of a type that supports it, such as text or search fields. Developers can override this default via JavaScript event handlers if needed, but the implicit submission remains the baseline for accessibility and usability in HTML documents. In command-line terminals and integrated development environments (IDEs), the Enter key executes entered commands or queries, finalizing input and initiating processing. For instance, in Unix-like shells such as Bash, pressing Enter invokes the Readline library'saccept-line function, which interprets and runs the current command line if non-empty.[24] Similarly, in SQL editors within IDEs like Oracle SQL Developer, combinations involving Enter—such as Ctrl+Enter—execute the focused query statement against the database, returning results in a dedicated pane.[25] This execution role distinguishes the key's function in interactive shells from its text manipulation uses, emphasizing action completion over content insertion.
Software applications often allow custom key mappings that repurpose the Enter key for specialized commands, including compiling code in IDEs. In tools like Visual Studio Code, users can rebind Enter through the Keyboard Shortcuts editor to trigger builds or runs, overriding defaults like line insertion for workflow efficiency; for example, mapping it to the "Tasks: Run Task" action for compilation. Such configurations are common in development environments to streamline repetitive tasks, though they require explicit setup in preference files or UI settings to avoid conflicts with standard behaviors.[26]

