4.1.1 Input Methods

How to enter thousands of characters is always an important issue in a multibyte language. Designing a keyboard with enough keys is simply not feasible. Instead, localized Solaris operating environments use input methods. Input methods (IMs) are system applications that convert keyboard input into a system-supported character. Figure 4-2 shows how an input method works.

Figure 4-2 Input method

Generally, the Motif text widget manages the input method. However, to customize the input method or have direct control, call the X11 XIM (X Input Method) APIs.

An application cannot assume a one-to-one mapping between a key-input stroke and a character. A single character may require more than a one key-input stroke and a one key-input event may trigger the input of more than one character.