Editing JAWS (screen reader) (section)

== Features ==
JAWS allows all major functions of the [[Microsoft Windows]] operating system to be controlled with [[keyboard shortcut]]s and spoken feedback. These shortcuts are kept as consistent as possible throughout most programs, but the very high number of functions needed to fluidly use modern computer software effectively requires the end user to memorize many specific keystrokes. Virtually every aspect of JAWS can be customized by the user, including all keystrokes and factors such as reading speed, granularity used when reading punctuation, and hints. JAWS also includes a scripting language to automate tasks and make more complex modifications to the program's behavior.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.freedomscientific.com/Content/Documents/Other/ScriptManual/01-0_Introduction.htm|title=Introduction|website=www.freedomscientific.com|access-date=2017-10-10}}</ref>

The software includes a distinct mode designed specifically for [[web browser]]s, activated when a browser is in the foreground. When browsing web pages, JAWS first declares the title and number of links. Speech can be stopped with the {{Keypress|[[control key]]}}, lines are navigated with the {{Keypress|up}}/{{Keypress|down}} arrow keys, and the {{Keypress|[[tab key]]}} moves between links and controls. Specific letter keys on the keyboard can be pressed to navigate to the next or previous element of a specific type, such as text boxes or checkboxes.<ref name="Thatcher" /> JAWS can access headings in [[Microsoft Word|Word]] and PDF documents in a similar fashion.<ref>Thatcher et al., p. 385</ref>

The JAWS feature set and its configurability have been described as "complex", with training recommended for users such as web designers performing accessibility testing, to avoid drawing the wrong conclusions from such testing.<ref>Thatcher et al., p. 501.</ref>

===Scripting Language===
JAWS Scripting Language (JSL) is a [[proprietary programming language]] that allows the interoperation of JAWS. It is a [[compiled language]], allowing for source code protection.{{Citation needed|date=March 2011}}  "JAWS scripting" commonly refers to customization of the built-in, user-editable utilities of JAWS and editing of its configuration files, as well as the writing of original scripts. JSL acts as an [[API]] (application programming interface) and allows users to combine JAWS scripting, [[Microsoft Active Accessibility]] scripting, and [[Document Object Model|document object model]] scripting.