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Editorial Team
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Asked: 2026-05-15T14:57:56+00:00

How can I handle ArrowKeys and < (Greater Than) in a Javascript function? Which

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How can I handle ArrowKeys and < (Greater Than) in a Javascript function? Which event and which code (charCode Or keyCode)?

I am very confused how to do this. I have read this link very carefully,
Events and keyCode+charCode, but I could not find any solution for my scenario.

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1 Answer

  1. Editorial Team

    Using event.keyCode is sufficient. You only need to browser compatibility issues with regard to obtaining the key event into account.

    Here’s a basic kickoff example which captures arrow keys, copy’n’paste’n’run it:

    <!DOCTYPE html>
<html lang="en">
    <head>
        <title>SO question 3181648</title>
        <script>
            document.onkeydown = function(e) {
                e = e || event; // "real browsers" || IE6/7.
                switch (e.keyCode) {
                    case 37: alert('left'); break;
                    case 38: alert('up'); break;
                    case 39: alert('right'); break;
                    case 40: alert('down'); break;
                }
            }
        </script>
    </head>
    <body>
       <p>Press one of the arrow keys.</p> 
    </body>
</html>

    Note that attaching events is better to be done this way or using jQuery.

    For capturing the pressed characters like <, have a look at Tim’s answer.

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