[FIXED] How to detect backspace in a keyTypedEvent

Issue

I'm using Netbeans' bean form to create my GUI.
I've added a keyTyped event to a JTextArea and I want to detect if the typed key is a Backspace.

I'm using keyTyped event for other reasons so I cannot just use the keyPressed event.

This is the generated code (and my if check):

private void langArea1KeyTyped(java.awt.event.KeyEvent evt) {   

    if(evt.getChar()== backspace) //how can I make this check?   
}     

evt.getKeyCode() always returns 0 independent of the typed key.
evt.getKeyChar() simply deletes the last character printed when printed so I can't use System.out.print(evt.getKeyChar()) to detect its value and check for it.

How can I detect if the typed key is Backspace (or Delete)?

Solution

backspace and delete have the following constants:

VK_BACK_SPACE

VK_DELETE

Constants are listed here: Class KeyEvent

From docs.oracle.com

WARNING: Aside from those keys that are defined by the Java language (VK_ENTER, VK_BACK_SPACE, and VK_TAB), do not rely on the values of the VK_ constants. Sun reserves the right to change these values as needed to accomodate a wider range of keyboards in the future.

Aside from that, I suggest you use keyPressed() or keyReleased() since keyTyped() is only used for keys that produce characters. Keys backspace and delete do not produce characters.

Additional:

getKeyChar() works well with KEY_TYPED, as mentioned here:

The getKeyChar method always returns a valid Unicode character or CHAR_UNDEFINED. Character input is reported by KEY_TYPED events: KEY_PRESSED and KEY_RELEASED events are not necessarily associated with character input.

Therefore, the result of the getKeyChar method is guaranteed to be meaningful only for KEY_TYPED events.

You can take a look at these links:

The keyTyped() event is only used for keys that produce character input.

"Key typed" events are higher-level and generally do not depend on the platform or keyboard layout.

Answered By - raymelfrancisco
Answer Checked By - Mildred Charles (JavaFixing Admin)