# arrow key

> computer key designed to move the cursor in a specified direction

**Wikidata**: [Q1199954](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1199954)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arrow_keys)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/arrow-key

## Summary
An arrow key is a physical button on a computer keyboard designed to move the cursor in a specified direction. As a subclass of the computer key, its primary function is moving the text cursor. It is technically distinct from other keys, such as the backspace key.

## Key Facts
*   **Definition**: A computer key designed to move the cursor in a specified direction.
*   **Class**: Subclass of "computer key" (a physical button on a computer keyboard).
*   **Primary Use**: Moving the text cursor (qualified usage).
*   **Distinction**: Different from the "backspace" key.
*   **Wikidata ID**: Associated with Freebase ID `/m/05f6yl`.
*   **Global Presence**: Has a Wikipedia title "Arrow keys" and exists in 25 sitelinks across languages including English, German, French, Spanish, Arabic, and Chinese.
*   **Encyclopedia IDs**: Identified by FOLDOC ID `arrow+key` and Encyclopedia of China (Third Edition) ID `185966`.
*   **Commons Category**: Classified under "Computer keyboard keys."

## FAQs
### Q: What is the specific function of an arrow key?
A: The arrow key is designed to move the text cursor in a specified direction on a computer interface. It is a physical button used for navigation rather than inputting characters.

### Q: How is an arrow key classified within computer hardware?
A: It is classified as a subclass of a "computer key," which is defined broadly as a physical button on a computer keyboard.

### Q: Is an arrow key the same as a backspace key?
A: No, according to structured data, the arrow key is explicitly "different from" the backspace key. While both interact with text, the arrow key moves the cursor, whereas the backspace key typically deletes characters.

## Why It Matters
The arrow key is a fundamental component of the human-computer interface, serving as the primary physical mechanism for directional navigation on a keyboard. By providing a dedicated input for moving the text cursor in a specified direction, it solves the problem of non-linear text navigation and selection without requiring a pointing device like a mouse. Its existence as a distinct subclass of computer key highlights its specialized role separate from character input (typing) or modification (shift/ctrl).

The arrow key is notably distinct from correction keys, such as backspace, emphasizing that its utility lies in positioning rather than alteration. Its global recognition is evidenced by its presence across major knowledge bases—including Wikipedia (25 sitelinks), FOLDOC, Freebase, and the Encyclopedia of China—and its translation into numerous languages, from German (*Pfeiltasten*) and French (*touches directionnelles*) to Japanese (*ほうこうキー*). This ubiquity confirms the arrow key as an essential, standardized element of computer architecture worldwide.

## Notable For
*   **Directional Navigation**: Distinct from other keys due to its specific design to move the cursor in specified directions rather than inputting data.
*   **Global Standardization**: Recognized universally across languages and regions, evidenced by aliases in Spanish, French, German, and Japanese, and inclusion in the Encyclopedia of China.
*   **Taxonomic Distinction**: Explicitly classified as "different from" the backspace key, clarifying its non-destructive navigational role.
*   **High Connectivity**: Linked across 25 different sitelinks and language versions on Wikipedia, indicating high informational relevance.

## Body

### Definition and Classification
The arrow key is a specific type of **computer key**, defined as a physical button on a computer keyboard. It falls under the subclass of keys dedicated to navigation rather than character input. In structured knowledge bases, it is strictly defined as a key "designed to move the cursor in a specified direction."

### Functionality and Usage
The primary utility of the arrow key is **moving**. Structured data qualifies this use specifically with the **text cursor**. This distinguishes the key's function from other keyboard operations like inputting letters, numbers, or executing system commands.

### Relationships and Distinctions
*   **Parent Class**: The entity is a subclass of **computer key**.
*   **Different From**: The arrow key is structurally and functionally differentiated from the **backspace** key.

### Identifiers and Knowledge Graph Data
The entity has a robust presence in semantic web and encyclopedia databases:
*   **Wikidata**: The entity has a Freebase ID of `/m/05f6yl`.
*   **FOLDOC**: Assigned the ID `arrow+key`.
*   **Encyclopedia of China (Third Edition)**: Assigned ID `185966`.
*   **Wikipedia**: Known under the title "Arrow keys," it is categorized under "Computer keyboard keys."

### International Nomenclature
The arrow key is recognized globally under various aliases and titles, reflecting its universal application in computing:
*   **Spanish**: *Teclas de dirección*, *Teclas de direccion*, *Tecla de direccion*
*   **French**: *touches directionnelles*, *touche fléchée*, *touches fléchées*
*   **German**: *Pfeiltasten*, *Pfeil-Taste*
*   **Japanese**: *ほうこうキー* (Hōkō kī)

## References

1. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013