Thread: Key bindings capture

In my program, I am trying to capture a particular set of keys. In theory, I would like to set up a thread and buffer that will scan through the input send by the keyboard. When a match is made, it will throw it back to the main method. My question is: What is the name of the class that will assist in setting up a input capture via keyboard?

Suggested reading: How to Use Key Bindings (The Java™ Tutorials > Creating a GUI With JFC/Swing > Using Other Swing Features)

I read the article about the key listener, particularly the event of 'The typing of a unicode character.' From what I have learned, a key listener event is fired from a component, when it is in focus. So this leads to my next question, how can I have a component fire keyboard events from a window that is seperate from the application's components? For example, when I type 'go' in my browser, a keyboard listener event is fired? Would I have to set my browser in focus in the application? Is that possible?

So this leads to my next question, how can I have a component fire keyboard events from a window that is seperate from the application's components? For example, when I type 'go' in my browser, a keyboard listener event is fired? Would I have to set my browser in focus in the application? Is that possible?

Sounds a little bit phishy, but be that as it may if I understand correctly you will most likely have to use JNI

My intentions are not to record the key strokes of a user maliciously (if that is what it seems like.) I was just giving an example. Let me clarify, I have a computer game application that runs effectively in a Full-Screen resolution. It would be cumbersome for the user to minimize the entire entity in order to adjust the GUI. So instead, it would be easier to invoke particular methods by using the keyboard (keybindings or key strokes). So for example, while playing chess I type ":start" or "ctrl + alt + st" while in the program window, in order to invoke a timer method or a paint method. I will also take a look at the JNI and report back.

At the moment, I am writing a C++ application that has successfully fired events from particular key bindings set to my game application. However, I am having trouble getting my java classes to utilize this C++ class. To elaborate, how does one call a C++ class from a java application?

Please note, I have made an attempt on researching this via google but to no avail. I have not found an article that has explained the process well enough for me to understand it. If you could please explain the process logically or link me to the available article, I would appreciate it.

I believe I have found a re-usable solution. By creating a Java wrapper for the C++ class.

JNI- Subclass a C++ class in Java using JNI

I shall return with questions if I am having trouble doing this. Though, I believe I won't with that much information.