cursorkeyset

Cursorkeyset is a term used in computer interfaces to describe the set of keys that control the position of the text cursor, or caret, within a document or input field. It typically includes the arrow keys (left, right, up, down) and navigation keys such as Home, End, Page Up, and Page Down, as well as modifier-assisted movements like Ctrl+Arrow to move by word and Shift+Arrow to extend a selection. In some contexts the term is used to distinguish cursor movement keys from character input or command keys.

In practice, a cursorkeyset interacts with the input layer or keymap of an application. When a key is pressed, the event is translated into a cursor-related action that updates the caret position. If a modifier such as Shift is held, the action often modifies the current selection rather than simply moving the caret. Implementations vary by platform and toolkit, but the core idea is to provide consistent navigation across editors, terminals, and graphical interfaces.

Platform considerations and accessibility play a role in how a cursorkeyset is realized. Different operating systems and applications may assign slightly different defaults for the same physical keys, and many environments support customization or alternative input methods to accommodate keyboard accessibility needs.

See also: Cursor, Caret, Keyboard navigation, Key binding, Input method.