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character (Or "ctrl", "^") One (or a pair) of
modifierkeys found on all modern
keyboards. If the control key is
held down while pressing and releasing certain other keys then
hitting "A" generates control-A (
ASCII code 1). The ASCII
code for the control character is generally 64 less than that
for the unmodified character.
The control key does not generate any character on its own but
to tell whether each of the individual keys on the keyboard
(including modifier keys) is pressed at any time.
Control characters mostly have some kind of "non-printing"
effect on the output such as ringing the bell (Control-G) or
advancing to the next line (Control-J). Most have alternative
names suggesting these functions (Bell, Line Feed, etc.).
(1997-07-10)