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X keyboard extension
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<p>In <a href="/facts/Human%25E2%2580%2593computer_interface/EkmIxGCx">human–computer interfaces</a>, the X keyboard extension or XKB is a part of the <a href="/facts/X_Window_System/ac2vRIQL">X Window System</a> that extends the ability to control the <a href="/facts/Computer_keyboard/MczF9LIS">keyboard</a> over what is offered by the <a href="/facts/X_Window_System_core_protocol/RytfxzSg">X Window System core protocol</a>, and allows to use multiple <a href="/facts/Keyboard_layout/6aYkBXuK">keyboard layouts</a>. </p><p>Its main features are: </p> <ul><li>enhanced support for <i><a href="/facts/Modifier_key/uMKHvSHe">modifiers</a></i> (<a href="/facts/Alt_key/cbVoaFnL">Alt</a>, ⇧ <a href="/facts/Shift_key/d0gXS7Jd">Shift</a>, etc.);</li> <li>better treatment of <i>key groups</i> (typically <a href="/facts/Keyboard_layout/6aYkBXuK">keyboard layouts</a>);</li> <li>extended control of keyboard indicators (<a href="/facts/LED/gE8x4MDb">LEDs</a>) and <a href="/facts/Bell_character/yvPIWNMr">bells</a>;</li> <li>various new keyboard parameters (controls);</li> <li>association of actions (of a particular kind) to keys.</li></ul> <p>XKB is composed of two parts: a server extension and a client library. Modern versions of <a href="/facts/Xlib/2fKMo9BF">Xlib</a> contain XKB, which is active by default. Client programs not using this extension can deactivate it before connecting with the server, or can simply work normally as the extension simulates the core protocol by default. </p><p>XKB is also used by <a href="/facts/Wayland_compositor/I9I1TbEG">Wayland compositors</a> and <a href="/facts/Kmscon/voFt9LWq">kmscon</a>. </p>