ActionScript: The Definitive Guide

Name

Key.getCode( ) Method — returns the keycode of the last key pressed

Availability

Flash 5

Synopsis

Key.getCode( )

Returns

An integer representing the keycode of the last key pressed.

Description

The getCode( ) method returns the keycode of the last key that was pressed, which is an arbitrary number representing the physical location of a key on the keyboard. On non-Windows operating systems, the native keycode system is translated automatically by Flash to the Windows equivalent, so getCode( ) provides a cross-platform means of referring to specific keys. The getCode( ) method can also be used to differentiate between two keys with the same ASCII value. For example, it can differentiate between the 8 key on the main keyboard and the 8 key on the numeric keypad, whereas getAscii( ) cannot. However, getCode( ) cannot differentiate between upper- and lowercase letters (for example, A and a use the same keycode because they are produced using the same key).

Many common keycode values are available as properties of the Key object (e.g., Key.UP, Key.BACKSPACE). To determine the keycode of a particular key, see Appendix B or construct a keycode tester as follows:

1. Create a new Flash document.

2. At frame 2 of the timeline, add a frame.

3. On frame 1, add the following code:

   trace(Key.getCode( ));

4. Select Control → Test Movie.

5. Click the movie’s Stage.

6. Press a key. The key code for that key will appear in the Output window.

Example

Unlike isDown( ), getCode( ) is useful for creating interfaces where an individual ...