A
key on
computer keyboards that
inserts a
tab character or moves the
insertion point to the next
tab stop. Some
applications respond to the tab key by inserting spaces up to the next tab stop. This is often called a
soft tab, whereas a real tab character is called a
hard tab. Spreadsheet and database management applications usually respond to the Tab key by moving the cursor to the next field or cell. In dialog boxes and menus, pressing the Tab key highlights the next button or option.
