Textentry

Textentry is the process of entering textual data into a computer or other device. It encompasses how users interact with textual input controls across interfaces, including forms, command prompts, and chat or search fields. Text entry is facilitated by various input methods such as physical keyboards, on-screen keyboards, voice input, or gesture-based methods, and it includes the creation, editing, and deletion of characters.

In software, text entry is typically implemented with controls like single-line text fields, multi-line text areas, password fields, and search boxes. These controls accept and display characters, support editing commands, and may provide features such as autocomplete, spell checking, and character masking. Applications apply encoding and normalization, and they enforce constraints such as maximum length, allowed character sets, and pattern validation through regular expressions or form validators.

Design and accessibility considerations are important. Text-entry controls should have clear labels, appropriate focus management, and compatibility with assistive technologies. Internationalization requires support for input methods for different scripts, punctuation, and text direction, including input method editors for non-Latin languages.

Security and privacy concerns include sanitizing input to prevent injection attacks, escaping data prior to storage or rendering, and ensuring that sensitive fields like passwords are masked. Data from text entries may be stored in databases or transmitted over networks, with appropriate protection and consent.