Working with the Input Method Editor
A version of this page is also available for
4/8/2010
The Input Method Editor (IME) simplifies the process of providing input for users. In particular, IMEs are required for many Asian languages in order to input characters from the keyboard. These languages are often made up of thousands of distinct characters, which make it impossible to show all of the characters on a single keyboard. To facilitate composition, the IME converts the keystrokes into the characters of the target language as a user types. Depending on the IME, these characters may be further converted. The IME in Windows Mobile that is localized for Japanese, for example, converts Roman keystrokes entered by a user to Katakana or Hiragana. Then, an additional conversion changes characters to Kanji.
The IME can also present a list of alternatives, called the candidate list, in situations in which the composition is ambiguous. A Windows Mobile application uses the Input Method Manager (IMM) to communicate with the IME. **
In This Section
- Overview of the Input Method System
Describes the components and operation of the Input Method system.
- Overview of the IME User Interface
Describes the windows and appearance of the IME.
- Writing an IME that works correctly with an Edit Control
Describes the registry key that you may have to customize when creating or porting an IME.
Related Sections
- Input Method Manager (IMM)
Provides an overview of how IMM manages the communication between an Input Method Editor (IME) and an application.