VKESCAPE

VK_ESCAPE is the Windows API virtual-key code that represents the Escape key on a standard keyboard. It serves as a symbolic constant used by the Windows input system to identify the Escape key across keyboard events and input handling.

Technical details

VK_ESCAPE is defined as 0x1B (decimal 27) in header files such as WinUser.h. In the Win32 message loop, applications detect the Escape key via keyboard messages such as WM_KEYDOWN and WM_KEYUP, where the wParam parameter carries the virtual-key code, including VK_ESCAPE when Escape is pressed. The code is also used by functions that query or simulate keyboard state, such as GetAsyncKeyState and GetKeyState, and by language bindings and frameworks that wrap Win32 input.

Usage and behavior

In user interfaces, the Escape key is commonly used to cancel operations, close dialogs, or exit full-screen modes. As a fixed system-level code, VK_ESCAPE provides a consistent way for applications to respond to Escape presses regardless of keyboard layout, though some applications may override default behavior for specific contexts.

Relation to broader context

VK_ESCAPE is part of the broader set of Windows virtual-key codes, which map hardware keys to logical key identifiers. These codes are used by software written in various languages (C, C++, C#, Delphi, etc.) to implement consistent keyboard input handling across the Windows platform.