Inbound and outbound mapping

The imkeymaps map a key symbol to a file code set string. The localized imkeymaps found in the /usr/lib/nls/loc library are defined to include mapping for all of the inbound keys.

The imkeymaps provide the following types of mapping:

Inbound mapping

Mapping of a keysym or modifier that generates a target string encoded in the code set of the locale.

Outbound mapping

Mapping of a keysym or modifier that does not generate a target string included in the code set of the locale.

A special imkeymap, /usr/lib/nls/loc/C@outbound.imkeymap, defines outbound mapping for all keyboards made by this manufacturer and is primarily intended for use by aixterm. This imkeymap includes mapping of PF keys, cursor keys, and other special keys commonly used by applications. Globalized applications that use standard input and standard output should limit their dependency on outbound mapping, which does not vary on different keyboards. For example, the Alt-a is defined in the same way on all keyboards made by this manufacturer. Yet, the Alt-tilde is different depending on the keyboard used.

The aixterm bases its outbound mapping on the C@outbound imkeymap. Applications that require more mapping should modify the localized imkeymap source to include the necessary definitions.