Applet key event not recognized

**gord c** · 10-02-2012, 01:53 AM

I have written an applet with mouse and keyboard event handlers. Some text is wriiten to the screen via the Paint() method and key strokes are supposed to be written to the screen (via a message in Paint(). Keystrokes are also written to the status bar via showStatus().

The problem is that keystrokes are not recognized UNTIL the mouse is clicked on the applet. After that first click, the key event works as expected. It's like there is no focus on the applet to start with?

gord c

**Norm** · 10-02-2012, 02:48 AM

Make sure the component with the key listener can get the focus and has the focus. The Component class has some methods that will do that. Look at the API doc for Component and Find "focus" to find the methods

**gord c** · 10-02-2012, 04:56 PM

Norm, There are no (user) components in this simple applet so I can't program a requestFocus(). I tried this.requestFocus() in the Init method but this is no good. Only a physical mouse click on the applet activates the KeyListener. Perhaps it is possible to program a mouse click: that might work.
I see that several people have had difficulty with key events (not responding). Another solution might be to use a container such as a Swing Panel and then requestFocus on that. Any comments?
gord c

**Norm** · 10-02-2012, 05:03 PM

There are no (user) components in this simple applet

The applet class extends Component.

What other methods from the Component class did you try? There are several that are related to focus.

**gord c** · 10-02-2012, 08:29 PM

Originally Posted by Norm

The applet class extends Component.

What other methods from the Component class did you try? There are several that are related to focus.

What Component? That is the question. All I have is the Applet screen which is not a Component, right? Yes, there is setFocus(), requestFocus(FocusInWindow) but to what do I apply these to.

gord c

**Norm** · 10-02-2012, 08:43 PM

What Component

The applet class by extending the Component class is a Component. See the API doc for the applet class.

to what do I apply these to

You can call any of the Component class's methods from within a method in the applet class.

**gord c** · 10-02-2012, 10:16 PM

I've tried looking for the right construction in the API but cannot find a component of the Applet class to work with.
Here is the bare-bones program that has the bug discussed in my posts.

Java Code:

/*
 * KeyTest.java
 *
 * KeyTest Applet application
 *<applet code="Main" width=300 height=100>
 *</applet>
 * Created on 02-10-2012 03:40 PM
 */
import java.awt.*;
import java.applet.*;
import java.awt.event.*;
/* Chars typed should appear in the Status bar. They do ONLY after
    the mouse is clicked on the  Viewer Window */
public class Main extends Applet implements KeyListener {
	char ch; 
	String msg="";
	public void init() {
	   addKeyListener(this);
	}
	public void keyPressed(KeyEvent k) {
	}
	public void keyReleased(KeyEvent k) {
	}
	public void keyTyped(KeyEvent k){
	  ch=k.getKeyChar();
	  msg+=ch;
	  showStatus(msg);
	}
	public void paint(Graphics g) {		
		g.drawString("Welcome to Java!!", 50, 60 );		
	}
}

If anyone can make this work properly, I would be very pleased.
gord c

**Norm** · 10-02-2012, 10:29 PM

What focus related methods from the Component class did you try?

Please edit your post and add code tags to the code. See: BB Code List - Java Programming Forum

**gord c** · 10-03-2012, 01:37 AM

Please don't beat about the bush. You suggest what object.method. It's the object that has me baffled!
gord c

**Norm** · 10-03-2012, 02:23 AM

It's the object that has me baffled!

Use the this reference in the applet. What reference are you using with the following statement that calls the addKeyListener() method?

Java Code:

addKeyListener(this);

What class is that method defined in?

**gord c** · 10-03-2012, 02:38 PM

I have added the following code. It compiles but does not solve the keystroke problem.

public class Main extends Applet implements KeyListener , FocusListener{
char ch;
String msg="";
public void init() {
addKeyListener(this);
addFocusListener(this);
this.requestFocus(); }
public void focusLost(FocusEvent f){
}
public void focusGained(FocusEvent f){
} ....... rest of code
I need a specific answer to this, no more vague suggestions please.

**DarrylBurke** · 10-03-2012, 02:46 PM

gord c, Norm has given you a link to the FAQ on how to use the code tags. If you persist in posting unformatted code, this thread will be locked and you may be banned for a period.

Kindly edit your posts and add the code tags.

db

**DarrylBurke** · 10-03-2012, 02:48 PM

Originally Posted by gord c

I need a specific answer to this, no more vague suggestions please.

You don't seem to understand how a forum works. We can help you to learn enough to solve your own problems, but we won't do your coding for you.

Recommended reading: How to ask questions the smart way

db

**Norm** · 10-03-2012, 03:11 PM

I need a specific answer to this,

List the methods in the Component class that deal with setting and requesting focus.
The posted code shows just one. There are more.

**Fubarable** · 10-03-2012, 03:34 PM

Originally Posted by gord c

I need a specific answer to this, no more vague suggestions please.

I was raised to appreciate help given and to not order volunteer helpers about. Perhaps things are different where you're from?

**gord c** · 10-04-2012, 10:39 PM

I apologize for not using the CODE tags, I don't know how to edit my previous listings. The original problem appears to be non-trivial. The failure of the applet window to gain focus (to accept keystrokes) automatically seems to be a topic that is seen in Google and other searches but no solution is available. I'm using IE8 with XP.
Thanks
gord c

**Norm** · 10-04-2012, 10:44 PM

Have you tried the AppletViewer or another browser to see if IE8 is the problem?

What other Component class methods related to focus have you found and tried?