Part of Speech

Noun

Phonetic Transcription

/bækˌtæb/

Meaning and Usage

Meaning: In computing, "backtab" refers to the action of moving the focus backward through selectable items (like buttons or text fields) on a user interface, akin to pressing the "tab" key in reverse.

Usage: The term is mainly used in technical contexts, particularly in discussions about software, user interface navigation, and keyboard shortcuts. While it can appear in written contexts, it is primarily used in oral discussions among tech professionals.

Frequency of Use: Quite specific to computing; not widely used outside tech circles. It appears more frequently in written technical documents, manuals, and programming forums than in casual conversation.

Example Sentences

1. To move back to the previous field on the form, simply press the backtab key.

2. Para volver al campo anterior en el formulario, simplemente presiona la tecla de retroceso del tabulador.

3. I often use backtab when filling out online surveys to quickly navigate.

4. A menudo uso el retroceso del tabulador al completar encuestas en línea para navegar rápidamente.

5. As a programmer, I always ensure that backtab functionality is implemented in the user interface.

6. Como programador, siempre aseguro que la funcionalidad de retroceso del tabulador esté implementada en la interfaz de usuario.

Idiomatic Expressions

The term "backtab" is not a standard part of English idiomatic expressions but can be associated with technical jargon. However, the concept of navigating backward in various contexts can relate to idiomatic language.

1. "Take a step back" - Sometimes we need to take a step back and examine the larger picture, similar to using backtab to return to a previous step.

2. A veces necesitamos dar un paso atrás y examinar el panorama general, similar a usar el retroceso del tabulador para regresar a un paso anterior.

3. "Backtrack" - If you make an error, it's important to backtrack your steps to correct it, which involves a similar conceptual movement as backtab.

4. Si cometes un error, es importante retroceder en tus pasos para corregirlo, lo que implica un movimiento conceptual similar al del retroceso del tabulador.

5. "Go back to square one" - When debugging software, it's sometimes necessary to go back to square one, much like using backtab to start over.

6. Al depurar software, a veces es necesario volver a empezar desde cero, al igual que usar el retroceso del tabulador para reiniciar.

Etymology

The term combines "back" meaning to move in reverse and "tab" referring to the tab key on a keyboard, which facilitates forward movement across user interface elements. The concept emerged with the advent of computer keyboards and graphical user interfaces, becoming relevant in the late 20th century.

Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms: Reverse tab, backward navigation.

Antonyms: Tab, forward tab.