tabstopp

Tabstopp, or tab stop in English, is a position on a line used to align text by moving the insertion point to a pre-defined place when the tab key is pressed. It enables the creation of columns without inserting multiple spaces and helps organize data or text in a consistent layout.

A tab character (often represented as a horizontal tab) advances the cursor to the next tab stop. Tab stops can be fixed at regular intervals or set at specific positions chosen by the user. Common types of stops include left, right, centered, and decimal alignment. Some applications also support a bar tab, which draws a vertical line, and tab leaders, such as dots or dashes, that fill the space between stops to guide the eye.

Setting and using tab stops usually happens in word processing software. They are configured on a ruler or in a tab settings dialog, where you specify the stop position, alignment, and any leader character. Decimal tab stops align numbers at the decimal point, while left and right tabs align text to the chosen side of the stop. Leaders are often used in tables of contents or payment slips to connect items with their page numbers.

In plain text and programming contexts, the tab character moves the cursor to the next stop, commonly at fixed widths (for example eight characters on many terminals). Editors and code environments often let users customize tab width. While tabs facilitate quick alignment, they can produce inconsistent results across programs, so many authors prefer fixed-width tables or explicit spacing for portability.