The tab key is a key on a computer keyboard that is used to advance the cursor to the next tab stop. It is located on the far left side of nearly all computer keyboards, above the Caps Lock key and to the left of the Q key. The key is labeled with two arrows going in opposite directions and pointing towards a line, one above the other. The following are some of the most common uses of the tab key:

• Indentation: In word processing and text editing, the tab key will move the insertion point to the next tab stop in a table, insert the ASCII tab character, or insert multiple space characters (depending on the program used). It can also be used to indent a line or paragraph of text.

• Navigation: When filling out a computerized form, pressing Tab will sometimes move the cursor to the next field (and Shift-Tab will move the cursor to the previous field), eliminating the need to use a mouse to click in an adjacent field. In many graphical applications, the tab key shifts the focus to the next control or widget.

• Customization: The tab key can be customized to set and clear tab stops for each column from the keyboard, eliminating the need for the typist to directly manipulate the tab rack.

• Alignment: The tab key and Ruler can be used to align multiple lines of text for better layouts.

• Numbering: The tab key can be used to number text quickly.

In summary, the tab key is a versatile key on the keyboard that has many uses, including indentation, navigation, customization, alignment, and numbering.