Question

What mechanism is used for returning the carriage to the right to start a new line?

• A. Line space lever
• B. Carriage release lever
• C. Carriage return
• D. Thumb wheel

Answer 1

Answer:

C. Carriage return

The Carriage Return is a fundamental mechanism in traditional typewriters, and its concept has carried over into computing and digital text processing.

Functionality

• Primary Role: The primary function of the carriage return is to move the printing mechanism (the carriage holding the paper) from its current position on the line back to the leftmost margin.

• Simultaneous Action: Crucially, the carriage return is almost always accompanied by an action that advances the paper to the next line. This combined action is essential for starting a new line of text.

Historical Context and Evolution

• Mechanical Typewriters: In mechanical typewriters, the carriage return was typically activated by a lever, often located on the left side of the carriage. Pushing this lever would cause the carriage to spring back to the right (moving from left to right as text is typed) and simultaneously rotate the platen (roller) to feed the paper upwards, preparing for the next line.

• Early Computing: The concept was directly translated into early computer keyboards and printers. The 'Enter' or 'Return' key on a keyboard simulates this function.

• Digital Text: In modern word processors and text editors, the 'Enter' key inserts a newline character (often represented as or CRLF - Carriage Return, Line Feed). This character signals the software to start a new line of text at the current cursor position.