Keyboarddriven

Keyboard-driven refers to software, interfaces, or workflows intended to be controlled primarily by keyboard input rather than a mouse or touch screen. The term encompasses terminal interfaces, modal editors, and applications that provide extensive keyboard navigation and shortcuts. It is commonly used to describe both user interfaces designed around keyboard control and development practices that favor keyboard-based interaction.

Characteristics include extensive keyboard shortcuts, mnemonic keybindings, focus management for keyboard traversal, command palettes, and text-based commands. Many keyboard-driven systems provide modes or layers, such as Vim's normal and insert modes, that interpret sequences of keystrokes. Applications may support customizable bindings, universal commands, and tooling that works even when a mouse is unavailable.

Benefits and challenges: Advantages are speed, reduced context switching, and accessibility for power users; but the approach can have steep learning curves, poor discoverability for new users, and inconsistencies across apps that hinder portability.

History and usage: Keyboard-driven paradigms have roots in early computing with command-line interfaces and text editors. They persist in development environments, terminal multiplexers, and many productivity tools. Related concepts include modal editing, keyboard shortcuts, command-line interfaces, and keyboard-driven development as a broader efficiency philosophy.