A cursor in computer user interfaces is an indicator that shows the current point of user interaction on a monitor screen or other display devices. The position of these pointers changes as data is received from a pointing device or on text inputs.
Text Cursor and Mouse Cursor
The text cursor, also known as the Caret, specifies the location of the next character when typing. This cursor is displayed in the corresponding area when a text field, word processor, or command line interface is ready to receive text input.
In addition to letters, numbers, and symbols keys used to enter text, you can also change the position of text cursor using one of four direction keys (Arrow keys) and a variety of other cursor keys. For example, you can usually use Page Up, Page Down, Home, and End keys to move cursor between pages of text or go to start and end of current line.
The cursor related to pointing devices, such as a computer mouse (also known as a mouse pointer) changes according to the device movements. It represents the position of the pointing device interaction (such as Click).
Various icons and symbols represent the cursor’s location. For example, the mouse cursor is typically a small arrow pointing up and left. When the cursor is placed on a link, its icon usually changes to a hand with the index finger pointing up. Of course, text cursors have less variety and are usually shown as a blinking line (|), a solid small rectangle, or an underscore (_).
Leave a Reply