Do Programmers Use Function Keys? (Let’s find out)

Functional keys act as shortcuts. They perform functions like refreshing a page or saving files, to mention a few. For example, a programmer can switch between two types of keyboards using the function keys(Fn).

The keyboard is considered the most important tool every programmer must have. Programmers need a reliable keyboard that can perform the tasks they need to do in the most efficient way possible.

Every programmer has their preference for the type of keyboard they use for their task.

However, most of them prefer keyboards that will help ease their work and are portable.

A keyboard that has function keys can help in this regard as they optimize programmers’ workflow.

Most programmers spend a lot of time typing on their keyboards, so they need something that can make their work easy and more comfortable.

Most prefer keyboards without the numeric pad attached because most programming languages do not need numerical figures.

It makes the keyboard more spacious and gives the programmer less strain on their hands.

What are function keys?

The function keys, also known as the F-keys, are lined across the top of the keyboard and labeled from F1 to F12; they are distinct from the normal alpha-numeric keys, whose function is determined by the operating system. 

A function key is a key on a terminal keyboard or a computer that can be programmed to cause an application program or operating system command interpreter to carry out specific actions.

They are used to perform certain actions like; saving files, printing data, toggling between two files, or refreshing a page, and also act as shortcuts.

They may be combined with the Alt or Ctrl keys. 

However, the functionality of these keys differs from program to program, although, on some keyboards or computers, function keys have default actions that are accessible immediately after the power is on.

For instance, the F1 key is often used as the default help key.

Importance of function keys for programming

Programmable keys allow programmers to write on any keyboard.

Each feature is a function key that are distinct keys that come with a standard keyboard. 

Below is an overview of the function keys and their functions 😀

F1

The F1 key is mostly used as the help key in almost every program. The key, when tapped, opens a help screen.

Windows key + F1 will open the Microsoft windows help and support center.

F2

Allows you to rename a file or folder swiftly; this key only works when you select a file. 

In Windows, it renames a selected file or folder in all versions of Windows. 

The Alt + Ctrl + F2 opens a document window in Microsoft word. 

Ctrl + F2 shows the print preview window in Microsoft word.

Alt + F2  opens the ‘Save as‘ window in Microsoft excel.

F3

It opens a search feature for many programs, including Microsoft windows, when at the windows desktop for an active application. 

In some programs, F3 finds the next search value after the initial search is done.

In MS-DOS or Windows command line, when you press F3, the last command entered will be repeated.

Shift + F3 in Microsoft Word will change Uppercase texts to lowercase or a capital letter at the beginning of every word. 

Ctrl + F3 will also change highlighted texts to lowercase in Microsoft word.

F4

Alt + F4 is commonly used to close the current program window; Ctrl + F4 closes active windows within the currently active windows in Microsoft.

F4 opens the address bar in internet explorer and window explorer; it is also used to repeat the last action in Microsoft word.

Open the find window in Windows 95 to XP.

F5

In most modern internet browsers, F5 refreshes the document or page window. It is considered the most used F key on the keyboard.

In Microsoft Word, it opens the find, replace and go to the window.

F6

It moves the cursor to the address bar in most internet browsers, and also, on some laptops, it reduces the speaker volume.

Ctrl + F6 toggles between various Microsoft word documents.

F7

Most times, F7 doesn’t have a specific function, but they are often used in programs such as Microsoft Word.

When you press it on the keyboard, a pop-up window shows to review spelling and grammar.

Shift + F7 opens the research window in Microsoft Office.

On the window command line, when you press F7, it shows the history of all the commands entered in that window.

Turns on Caret browsing in Mozilla Firefox and on some laptops used to increase speaker volume.

F8

It is mostly used to access window safe mode and to enter the window start-up menu.

Display a thumbnail image on all workplaces in Mac OS. F8 function key opens the Replace window in Textpad.

F9

In Microsoft word, it is used to refresh documents. 

It opens the measurement toolbar in Quark 5.0, and also, in some laptops, it is used to reduce the screen brightness. Using F9 and the Fn key together opens mission control on an apple computer running macOS X. It displays a thumbnail for each window in a single workplace on Mac 10.3.

Ctrl+ F9 and Alt + F9 are used to build merge documents in Microsoft word. As a programmer, you must have used F9 to compile and execute code in combination with Ctrl and Alt. 

F10

It activates the menu bar of an open application in most Microsoft windows programs. When you press shift + F10 is the same as right-clicking a highlighted Icon, file, or folder.

And it increases the laptop screen brightness on some laptops. Mac 10.3 and later shows all open windows for the active program.

F11

Exit and enter fullscreen mode in all modern internet browsers. Mac 10.4 or later hides all open windows for the active program and shows the desktop.

Alt + F11 in MS office program invokes Microsoft visual basic window for that document.

F12

It opens the save as’ window in the MS office program. Opens and closes developer tools in most internet browsers, i.e., open the HTML mode of the website you see on the internet.

Conclusion

These function keys provide the option of using 12 shortcuts that make working on the computer easier and faster. This will aid the programmer’s workflow and make things easy

Learning the uses of these function keys as a programmer can make you more productive and work much faster.

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Happy Coding!