SendKeys

The SendKeys method allows the user to send keystrokes and combinations to a Control or Page Object.

Sending special keys

You can send some special keys to controls using the Keys class.

The Keys class contains the following special keys categories:

• Function Keys.

• Navigation Keys.

• System Keys.

• Numeric Keys

• Editing keys.

• Lock keys.

• Modifier Keys

The following is an example of the use of the Keys class:

    MyPageObject.MyControl.SendKeys(Keys.ENTER);

Key Combinations

The SendKeys method can be used to simulate hotkeys and accelerator keys on a control.

How to use

You have to enclose them in brackets ([]), one or more modifier keys such as ctrl, alt or shift with at least one character or special key. For example:

    MyPageObject.MyControl.SendKeys("[" + Keys.CTRL + "a]");

• To escape braces and brackets, you need to write them twice, for example: "[[".

• Any key or special key enclosed on the brackets will have the specified modifiers active.

SendKeys vs. Text

Some controls have the settable Text property which can be used instead of SendKeys. There is one major difference between these two methods: SendKeys will press each key from the string passed onto it as if performed by a human. On the other hand,Text is only concerned with replacing the text on the control by any means necessary. In practice this means that SendKeys is guaranteed to raise browser or OS key-press events, whereas Text is not.