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How to Take Keyboard Input in JavaScript?

Last Updated : 30 Nov, 2024
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Taking keyboard input in JavaScript is essential for building interactive web applications. Whether you're creating a game, handling user login, or simply getting user preferences, JavaScript provides several ways to collect data from the keyboard.

Using prompt() for User Input

The prompt() function is one of the simplest ways to get user input in JavaScript. This built-in function opens a dialog box where the user can type something, and the value is returned as a string.

Syntax

let userInput = prompt("Enter some text:");
JavaScript
let userName = prompt("What is your name?");

if (userName) {
    alert("Hello, " + userName + "!");
} else {
    alert("No name entered.");
}

Using Event Listeners for Keyboard Input

For more advanced scenarios, such as detecting real-time typing or handling specific keys, you can use JavaScript's event handling system. By listening for keyboard events (keydown, keypress, keyup), you can capture input as the user interacts with the keyboard.

1. keydown Event

The keydown event occurs when a key is pressed down, and it captures all key types, including special keys like Esc, Enter, and arrow keys.

JavaScript
document.addEventListener('keydown', function(event) {
    console.log('Key pressed: ' + event.key);
});

keypress Event

The keypress event is triggered when a character key is pressed, i.e., when a printable character like letters, numbers, or symbols is entered. It does not fire for non-printable keys like Shift, Ctrl, or Arrow.

JavaScript
document.addEventListener('keypress', function(event) {
    console.log('Key pressed: ' + event.key);
});

keyup Event

The keyup event occurs when the key is released, and it is often used when you want to detect input after the user finishes typing or pressing a key.

JavaScript
document.addEventListener('keyup', function(event) {
    console.log('Key released: ' + event.key);
});

Taking Input from Form Elements

In many cases, especially when building forms or search bars, you will want to capture keyboard input directly from an input field or textarea. This can be done by accessing the value property of form elements.

HTML
<script>
    document.getElementById('myInput').addEventListener('input', function() {
        console.log('Current input value: ' + this.value);
    });
</script>

<input type="text" id="myInput" placeholder="Type something here">

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