Lingo Dictionary > G-K > keyDownScript |  |

keyDownScript

Syntax

    the keyDownScript

Description

System property; specifies the Lingo that is executed when a key is pressed. The Lingo is written as a string, surrounded by quotation marks, and can be a simple statement or a calling script for a handler.

When a key is pressed and the `keyDownScript` property is defined, Lingo executes the instructions specified for the `keyDownScript` property first. Unless the instructions include the `pass` command so that the `keyDown` message can be passed on to other objects in the movie, no other `on keyDown` handlers are executed.

Setting the `keyDownScript` property performs the same function as using the `when keyDown then` command that appeared in earlier versions of Director.

When the instructions you specify for the `keyDownScript` property are no longer appropriate, turn them off by using the statement `set the` `keyDownScript to EMPTY`.

Example

This statement sets `keyDownScript` to`if the key = RETURN then go to the frame + 1`. When this statement is in effect, the movie always goes to the next frame whenever the user presses the Return key.

    the keyDownScript = "if the key = RETURN then go to the frame + 1"

Example

This statement sets `keyDownScript` to the custom handler `myCustomHandler`. A Lingo custom handler must be enclosed in quotation marks when used with the `keyDownScript` property.

    the keyDownScript = "myCustomHandler"

See also

`on keyDown`, `keyUpScript`, `mouseDownScript`, `mouseUpScript`