CodeKeys is a very simple system extension that adds additional functionality to the numeric keypad on standard Apple keyboards. Though its features are directed towards software development, others may find it useful as well.
RELEASE INFO
Version 1.0.1 of CodeKeys fixes two bugs in the previous version:
1) The plus and minus keys are reversed on some of the older keypads thereby reversing the order of the hexidecimal 'E' and 'F' keys. CodeKeys now checks the keyboard type and reverses them accordingly.
2) When used with Think C, the number keys would not work with the shift key down. The number keys will now work the same whether the shift key is held down or not.
BACKGROUND
When typing on my Apple Keyboard II at home, I lack many of the keys indigenous to my Apple Extended Keyboard at work. Most of all I miss the forward delete, home, end, page up, and page down keys. Remembering how the PC XT keyboard had originally implemented these keys on the numeric keypad using the Num Lock, I decided to do something very similar for the Macintosh.
Another thing that continually bugs me as a developer is typing hexadecimal numbers. As I am already accustomed to using the numeric keypad, I find it awkward to have to jump around the keyboard typing the letters A through F in the middle of a numeric key sequence. With CodeKeys, holding down the shift key changes the keypad to full hexadecimal, replacing the keys above and to the right with the letters A-F and changing the decimal point to a lowercase "x" (ie: 0x69FACE).
DOCUMENT AND CURSOR MOVEMENT KEYS
option-"1" = end
option-"2" = down arrow
option-"3" = page down
option-"4" = left arrow
option-"6" = right arrow
option-"7" = home
option-"8" = up arrow
option-"9" = page up
HEXADECIMAL KEYS
shift-"." = x
shift-clear = A
shift-"=" = B
shift-"/" = C
shift-"*" = D
shift-"-" = E (F on some keyboards)
shift-"+" = F (E on some keyboards)
OTHER KEYS
clear = forward delete (same as del on extended keyboard)
INCOMPATIBILITIES
Since CodeKeys intercepts certain key combinations and changes them, incompatibilities may exist with software that is expecting the original unaltered key. This may be especially true for the clear key which CodeKeys effectively removes. I've tested it fully with MPW and Think C (both for which CodeKeys is specifically intended) and have found no problems. I am _very_ interested in hearing about any incompatibilities or anomalies with any software .
POWER TOOL DISCLAIMER
CodeKeys is not a "Power Tool" and should not be reguarded as such. If you're looking for extensive customization ability, QuicKeys™ by CE Software, Inc. is a very powerful keyboard macro utility that should suit your lust for power. CodeKeys is small, simple, and FREE. If you like it, by all means use it.
FORMALITIES
CodeKeys is FREE and may be distributed to anyone by any means as long it remains unaltered, is accompanied by this file, and is not sold for profit. Send bugs, questions, and comments to me at:
