What is the functionality of the Tab key?

The functionality of the Tab key primarily involves creating indents and moving the cursor to the next tab stop when typing in a text document or field. This makes it an essential tool for organization in word processing, allowing users to align text or items in a list easily. When the Tab key is pressed, the cursor shifts to a predetermined position, facilitating structured formatting, such as aligning columns of data or creating a visual hierarchy in documents. This is especially useful in applications like word processors and spreadsheets, where proper formatting enhances readability and presentation.

In contrast, the other options do not accurately describe the primary role of the Tab key. For example, deleting characters is managed by keys like Backspace or Delete, while exiting applications is typically done via Alt + F4 or other program-specific commands. Switching between applications is usually performed by keyboard shortcuts like Alt + Tab. Understanding these distinctions helps clarify the unique and important role the Tab key plays in document creation and editing.