A command button is a graphical user interface (GUI) element widely used in software applications to initiate actions or perform specific functions. It is typically represented as a clickable button with text or an icon on it, providing users with a visual control to interact with the software.
When a command button is clicked or pressed, it triggers a predefined operation, instructing the computer or software to execute a particular function. This function can range from performing simple tasks like saving or printing a document, to more complex actions such as opening a dialog box, launching another program, or executing a series of commands.
Command buttons are extensively used in various software applications, including operating systems, word processors, spreadsheets, web browsers, and many others. They provide an intuitive and user-friendly way for individuals to interact with software and initiate desired actions without having to remember complex commands or navigate through menu systems.
In addition to their visual representation, command buttons may also have associated functions or event handlers that define the logic behind the action. These functions can be programmed to perform specific tasks, validate input, or interact with other components of the software application. The behavior and appearance of command buttons can also be customized based on the developer's requirements or user preferences, making them versatile and adaptable to different contexts and interface designs.
The word "command button" originated from the combination of two distinct terms:
1. Command: The term "command" can be traced back to the Old French word "comander" which means "to order, to control". It further derives from the Late Latin word "commandare" meaning "to recommend, entrust". The Latin word is a combination of "com-" (meaning "together") and "mandare" (meaning "to entrust, to order").
2. Button: The term "button" has its roots in the mid-14th century English word "botoun" derived from Old French "bouton" meaning "a bud, something projecting". It originally referred to a small, distinct object that could be pushed or pressed.
The fusion of these two terms, "command" and "button", resulted in the phrase "command button".