Space bar

Space Bar

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Space bar

The space bar, spacebar, or space key, is a key on an alphanumeric keyb

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The space bar, spacebar, or space key, is a key on an alphanumeric keyboard

Alphanumeric keyboard

Alphanumeric keyboards include typewriters and computer Keyboard . An alphanumeric keyboard is a device with many keys ...
in the form of a horizontal bar in the lowermost row, significantly wider than other keys. Its main purpose is to conveniently enter the space

Space (punctuation)

In writing, a space is a blank area that is devoid of content, which word divider, letters, numbers, and punctuation. Conventions for interword separation and intersentence spaces vary among languages, and in some cases the spacing rules are quite complex....
, e.g., between words during typing

Typing

Typing is the process of inputting text into a device, such as a typewriter, computer, or a calculator, by pressing keys on a Computer keyboard....
. It is large enough so that a thumb from either hand can use it easily.

Depending on the operating system

Operating system

An operating system is an interface between hardware and applications; it is responsible for the management and coordination of activities and the sharing of the limited resources of the computer....
, the space bar used with a modifier key

Modifier key

In computing, a modifier key is a special key on a computer keyboard that modifies the normal action of another key when the two are pressed in combination....
such as the control key

Control key

In computing, a Control key is a modifier key which, when pressed in conjunction with another key, will perform a special operation ; similar to the Shift key, the Control key rarely performs any function when pressed by itself....
may have functions such as resizing or closing the current window

Window (computing)

In computing, a window is a visual area, usually rectangular in shape, containing some kind of user interface, displaying the output of and allowing input for one of a number of simultaneously running computer processes....
, half-spacing, or even backspacing.

In computer games and other applications the key has myriad uses in addition to its normal purpose in typing, such as jumping and adding marks to check boxes.

In certain programs for playback of digital video, the space bar is used for pausing and resuming the playback.