How can I get the key text name?

Applies To: C++Builder 1 or higher
Category: Knowledge Base

Using the OnKeyPress event I can obtain the name of any character keys. But other special keys such as Ctrl or Backspace can only be handled by OnKeyDown. Unfortunately, the Key parameter in OnKeyDown is a virtual-code. Can I get the real key name?

 

 

1.

  Start a new project using File | New Application.

 

2.

  Open the header file of your form and add the following under

      public:

 

    MESSAGE void __fastcall Key(TMessage &message);

 

    BEGIN_MESSAGE_MAP

        MESSAGE_HANDLER(WM_KEYDOWN, TMessage, Key);

    END_MESSAGE_MAP(TForm);

 

3.

  Insert this in your source code:

 

MESSAGE void __fastcall TForm1::Key(TMessage &message)

{

    char name[30];

    GetKeyNameText(message.LParam, name, 30);

    ShowMessage("You pressed " + String(name));

}

 

The Win32 API function GetKeyNameText shows the name of the key. However this function requires that you catch the WM_KEYDOWN message.

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