how can I detect arrow keys in java?

Question

I know how to implement a key listener; that's not the problem.

public void keyTyped(KeyEvent event) {
    if (event.getKeyChar() == KEY_LEFT) {
        cTDirection = LEFT;
    }
    if (event.getKeyChar() == 40) {
        cTDirection = DOWN;
    }
    if (event.getKeyChar() == 39) {
        cTDirection = RIGHT;
    }
    if (event.getKeyChar() == 38) {
        cTDirection = UP;
    }
}

What do I put where the LEFT_KEY / 40 / 39 / 38? When I created a keylistener and type in the keys, I believe I got 37 - 40. I don't know what to put there to listen for just the arrow keys.

Answer 1

Use the getKeyCode() method and compare the returned value agains KeyEvent.VK_LEFT, KeyEvent.VK_RIGHT, KeyEvent.VK_UP and KeyEvent.VK_DOWN constants.

Answer 2

Here is what I did to make it work:

public void keyPressed (KeyEvent e) {
        int c = e.getKeyCode ();
        if (c==KeyEvent.VK_UP) {                
            b.y--;   
        } else if(c==KeyEvent.VK_DOWN) {                
            b.y++;   
        } else if(c==KeyEvent.VK_LEFT) {                
            b.x--;   
        } else if(c==KeyEvent.VK_RIGHT) {                
            b.x++;   
        }
        System.out.println (b.x);
        b.repaint ();
    }

For me it isn't working if I put it in KeyPressed but works fine if I put it in KeyTyped.