Search and replace: what is a shortcut?

Question

A very simple dilemma. The user should be able to search and replace in most of the text. The code for this is a piece of cake. No problem. It works like a charm! Do not puzzle over it. It decided! It's not a problem...

No, the problem defines a good shortcut for this function. Although I would prefer to use CTRL + R as a shortcut for this function (and CTRL - F to search for text), I noticed that Microsoft uses CTRL - H as a shortcut! (And F3 to find the text, although CTRL + F basically works too.)

So what should be the preferred shortcut for this simple function? CTRL - R or CTRL - H

And the second Q for additional items: Where does CTRL - H come from? What does H mean? At least R means Replace, but H ???

This refers to the graphical interface of a Windows application. Although this is a trivial matter, it is just good to comply with the generally accepted norm! Although the graphical interface is not always popular with programmers, it is definitely programming related that your graphical interface is up to standard!

Answer 1

Although I also think that Ctrl + R is a more “obvious” and “natural” choice to replace, I would go for Ctrl + H because of the reasons for consistency. If users are used to replace text with Ctrl + H (for example, because they use MS Word), they will be happy if it works in your application ... however, if it does not work it will be a little pain because they must change their habits.

For search I always use Ctrl + F. And if you don't need F3 for any other purpose, just use this for your search. You are covered for both cases :)

Also see this Joel blog post.

Answer 2

CTRL + R is part of the office formatting shortcut, it aligns the selected text or the current paragraph correctly. Since this function is probably used more than search and replace, it makes sense to give it CTRL + R

The MS UX recommendation (not that they themselves adhere) has, where they indicate that you should use Windows OS keyboard shortcuts to match similar functions - that's why CTRL + H is.

Answer 3

I don’t know when or who used Ctrl + H , but the reason is very simple: search for Ctrl + F , Ctrl + G (next key in QWERTY) to find the next, and Ctrl + H (next) to replace.

The same thing happens with copy-paste, Ctrl + C has a boolean value, but X for cut and V for paste are adjacent keys.

I would rather use H than R for consistency. R is also used to run scripts in some programs. And I noticed that most people do not use these shortcuts and will not try, Ctrl + R , but those who are used to them can use Ctrl + H or check it.

Answer 4

I think Ctrl + H came from WordPerfect. Or maybe H for rep: :) (I'm serious.)

Stick to Ctrl + H. Most applications use Ctrl + H. Do not confuse users. Do not force your users to remember one-time keyboard shortcuts. Do not annoy your users. They do not remember or do not think about remembering or thinking that this is a mistake.

Answer 5

Are we not just matching the action with both shortcuts so that the same Ctrl + R and Ctrl + H are executed?

Alternatively, you can make it customizable so that the user can decide which one he wants to use.