How does one capture a Mac's command key via JavaScript?
Hinging the Command key on JavaScript through the event.metaKey
feature in keydown
or keyup
event listeners is quite straightforward:
The snippet above is a trailblazer for handling the Command key state, setting up your foundation for yet more intricate key scenarios.
Enhanced detection
Broadening the scope beyond just capturing the Command key, the event.key
and event.code
properties allow us to pinpoint whether the MetaLeft
or MetaRight
was triggered, whilst skirting deprecated holdovers like keyCode
.
The above code determines specific key presses in keyboards sporting both left and right Command keys, enhancing precision.
Cross-browser compatibility
While the Command key stands in the spotlight, bear in mind it might march to different drummers across varied browsers, Safari in particular. Rigorous testing should not be neglected and variations addressed accordingly to achieve universal appeal.
Platform variance
A discrepancy to note when porting this between systems: while the event.key
is 'Meta' during a Command key press on a Mac, this behaviour is not ubiquitous. As developers, it's our duty to ensure seamless functionality no matter the environment.
Real-world application
Now let's put theory into practice and stitch together keyboard shortcuts for a web app on macOS. Let's say the Command-N combo initiates a new document.
You'll note, we "opted out" of triggering native browser shortcuts during application-specific keyboard events by invoking event.preventDefault()
.
Usable by Design
When working with editable elements like <input>
or <textarea>
, ensure your keyboard handlers don't impede regular typing. Introduce checks to bypass these elements when needed.
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