Ctrl + Enter using jQuery in a TEXTAREA

Addressing browser compatibility

The worldwide-web is a crazy party! Different browsers and platforms throw curves we need to catch. Here's how we tackle browser compatibility:

• The keyCode for Enter varies in some funky browsers or environments. Stay vigilant, testers!
• Fire up multiple browsers and let your code take them for a spin. Test in Edge, Firefox, Safari, and Chrome for a thrilling day.
• For our dear Apple users, remember to include a check for e.metaKey, as they're likely to use the Cmd key in place of Ctrl.

Binding and action setup

Step up your game with advanced event handlers or carry out distinct actions based on the key combination:

• Broaden your horizon! Bind the event to the document to catch Ctrl + Enter press anywhere, not just when the textarea is focused.

$(document).on('keydown', 'textarea', function(e) {
  if (e.ctrlKey && (e.keyCode == 13 || e.keyCode == 10)) {
    // Look, ma! I'm catching keypresses globally!
  }
});
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• The browsers love throwing default actions at Ctrl + Enter combo. Tame them with e.preventDefault() within your handler.

$('textarea').keydown(function(e) {
  if (e.ctrlKey && (e.keyCode == 13 || e.keyCode == 10)) {
    e.preventDefault();
    // Did somebody say custom action?
  }
});
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Flexible implementation

You might want to add some jazz to your actions or change your tunes altogether. Here's how:

• For the maestros, craft a mapping of key combinations to actions. Bundle it inside a configurable object, and voilà — easy extensions!
• Whip up a jQuery plugin to handle specific key combos and actions. Code reuse never felt so victorious.
• Want to spread the Ctrl + Enter love? Bind the handler to multiple selectors!

$.fn.extend({
  ctrlEnter: function(callback) {
    return this.each(function() {
      $(this).on('keydown', function(e) {
        if (e.ctrlKey && (e.keyCode == 13 || e.keyCode == 10)) {
          e.preventDefault();
          callback.call(this, e);
        }
      });
    });
  }
});

// Usage:
$('textarea, input').ctrlEnter(function(e) {
  // Sharing is caring, both textarea and input have it!
});
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Hands-on testing

The proof is in the pudding! Whip up your concoction on platforms like jsfiddle, jsbin, or W3Schools Tryit Editor, and taste-test your Ctrl + Enter combinations. Take it slow:

1. Set up your HTML and jQuery script in the editor.
2. Pour your jQuery magic into the editor.
3. Time for tasting! Test with different keys and see if the Ctrl + Enter tastes just right.
4. Ready for a remix? Change up your code, play with actions and watch real-time results.