escape sequence

(character)

(Or "escape code") A series of characters starting with the escape character (ASCII 27). Escape sequences are often used to control display devices such as VDUs. An escape sequence might change the colour of subsequent text, reassign keys on the keyboard, change printer settings or reposition the cursor. The escape sequences of the DEC vt100 video terminal have become a de facto standard for this purpose.

The term is also used for any sequence of characters that temporarily suspends normal processing of a stream of characters to perform some special function. For example, the Hayes modem uses the sequence "+++" to escape to command mode in which characters are interpreted as commands to the modem itself rather than as data to pass through.

This article is provided by FOLDOC - Free Online Dictionary of Computing (foldoc.org)

escape sequence

(1) A text command that begins with an escape code. Printers are often commanded by escape sequences. See escape code.

(2) In a modem, a unique sequence of characters that precedes a command. It allows modem commands (dial, hang up, etc.) to be transmitted with the data. See TIES and Hayes Smartmodem.

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References in periodicals archive

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