Caret navigation
Encyclopedia
In computing
, caret navigation is a kind of keyboard navigation where a caret
(also known as "text cursor", "text insertion cursor", or "text selection cursor") is used to navigate within a text document. It is a fundamental feature for applications that deal with text, for example text editor
s (the most famous examples: Emacs
and Vim), word processor
s and desktop publishing
programs.
This kind of navigation is also supported by some web browser
s, such as Mozilla Firefox
and Internet Explorer
, where it is referred to as "caret browsing". This can be contrasted to using a mouse to point to links, using tabs to go from link to link or editing the BIOS
options.
In this kind of text cursor navigation mode, a blinking cursor appears over the text; the user can then move over the text by using the arrow navigation keys.
Computing
Computing is usually defined as the activity of using and improving computer hardware and software. It is the computer-specific part of information technology...
, caret navigation is a kind of keyboard navigation where a caret
Cursor (computers)
In computing, a cursor is an indicator used to show the position on a computer monitor or other display device that will respond to input from a text input or pointing device. The flashing text cursor may be referred to as a caret in some cases...
(also known as "text cursor", "text insertion cursor", or "text selection cursor") is used to navigate within a text document. It is a fundamental feature for applications that deal with text, for example text editor
Text editor
A text editor is a type of program used for editing plain text files.Text editors are often provided with operating systems or software development packages, and can be used to change configuration files and programming language source code....
s (the most famous examples: Emacs
Emacs
Emacs is a class of text editors, usually characterized by their extensibility. GNU Emacs has over 1,000 commands. It also allows the user to combine these commands into macros to automate work.Development began in the mid-1970s and continues actively...
and Vim), word processor
Word processor
A word processor is a computer application used for the production of any sort of printable material....
s and desktop publishing
Desktop publishing
Desktop publishing is the creation of documents using page layout software on a personal computer.The term has been used for publishing at all levels, from small-circulation documents such as local newsletters to books, magazines and newspapers...
programs.
This kind of navigation is also supported by some web browser
Web browser
A web browser is a software application for retrieving, presenting, and traversing information resources on the World Wide Web. An information resource is identified by a Uniform Resource Identifier and may be a web page, image, video, or other piece of content...
s, such as Mozilla Firefox
Mozilla Firefox
Mozilla Firefox is a free and open source web browser descended from the Mozilla Application Suite and managed by Mozilla Corporation. , Firefox is the second most widely used browser, with approximately 25% of worldwide usage share of web browsers...
and Internet Explorer
Internet Explorer
Windows Internet Explorer is a series of graphical web browsers developed by Microsoft and included as part of the Microsoft Windows line of operating systems, starting in 1995. It was first released as part of the add-on package Plus! for Windows 95 that year...
, where it is referred to as "caret browsing". This can be contrasted to using a mouse to point to links, using tabs to go from link to link or editing the BIOS
BIOS
In IBM PC compatible computers, the basic input/output system , also known as the System BIOS or ROM BIOS , is a de facto standard defining a firmware interface....
options.
In this kind of text cursor navigation mode, a blinking cursor appears over the text; the user can then move over the text by using the arrow navigation keys.