Using Virtual Key Codes
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8/28/2008
Windows Embedded CE maintains a device–independent keyboard model that enables it to support a variety of keyboards. At the lowest level, each key on the keyboard generates a scan code when the key is pressed and released. The scan code is a hardware–dependent number that identifies the key. The keyboard driver translates or maps each scan code to a virtual key code. The virtual key code is a hardware–independent number that identifies the key. Because keyboard layouts vary from language to language, Windows Embedded CE offers only the core set of virtual key codes that are found on all keyboards. This core set includes English characters, numbers, and a few critical keys, such as the function and arrow keys. Keys that are not included in the core set also have virtual key code assignments, but their values vary from one keyboard layout to the next. You should depend only on the virtual key codes that are in the core set.