escape sequence

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.

   [Was the character named after this use or vice versa?]

   (1997-11-27)