Java - KeyEvent variable

Question

So. I got a little problem. Most likey caused because Im very new to java. Anyways, my question is: Why does this not work?

public static void pressKey(KeyEvent key) throws AWTException {
    Robot r = new Robot();
    r.keyPress(KeyEvent.key);
    r.keyRelease(KeyEvent.key);
}

How would I get something like this to work? It would make my life alot easier. thanx in advance

score 1 · Answer 1 · answered Nov 04 '12 at 22:47

1

There is no public static field called key in KeyEvent that's why

//just pass they argument to your method as argument to those methods
r.keyPress(key);
r.keyRelease(key);

answered Nov 04 '12 at 22:47

Bhesh Gurung

50,430
22
93
142

thedayofcondor · Answer 2 · 2012-11-05T00:20:33.150

1

You have to use

 public static void pressKey(int key) throws AWTException {
    Robot r = new Robot();
    r.keyPress(key);
    r.keyRelease(key);
}

for it to work

edited Nov 05 '12 at 00:20

answered Nov 04 '12 at 22:47

thedayofcondor

3,860
1
19
28

The method keyPress(int) in the type Robot is not applicable for the arguments (KeyEvent) – user1591340 Nov 04 '12 at 23:17
Now if I use `pressKey(KeyEvent.VK_C);` I get `The method pressKey(KeyEvent) in the type Main is not applicable for the arguments (int)` – user1591340 Nov 05 '12 at 00:15

score 0 · Answer 3 · answered Dec 22 '12 at 03:20

That 'key' variable is an integer. A KeyEvent is just an easy-to-remeber way to use it, but both are integers.

It means the method uses an integer, not a KeyEvent.

Let's say we have the following method:

public static void press(int event) throws AWTException {
    Robot bot = new Robot();
    bot.keyPress(event);
    bot.keyRelease(event);
}

It could be called by two ways: the KeyEvent and an integer. All the same (don't forget to add a 'throws' statement or a 'try/catch'):

press(KeyEvent.VK_SLASH);

Or:

press(46);

If I'm right, both would send a slash (correct me if I'm wrong). But KeyEvents are way easier.

Also, keep in mind that not all keyboards have the same layout. Depending on the key, a completely different key would be sent, or worse, the robot would throw an IllegalArgumentException. I recommend you use Alt codes for characters that are not letters/numbers.

Java - KeyEvent variable

3 Answers3