• The control key is represented by the carat symbol (^)
  • Control characters are used to perform specific tasks (e.g., stopping and starting screen output).
  • To use control characters, hold down the Control key on the keyboard and press the combination key at the same time. For example, holding the Control key and pressing the s key at the same time will stop screen output. The table below has a list of the control characters available for you:
Control Characters Purpose
Control - s
Stops screen output
Control - q
Starts screen output
Control - c
Interrupts the current running program
Control - d
Indicates end-of-file or exit
Control - u
Erases everything on the command line
Control - w

Erases the last word on the command line
Control - z
Suspends a running program (called a job)