xkbcomp keymap compiler converts a description of an XKB keymap into one of several output formats. The most common use for xkbcomp is to create a compiled keymap file (.xkm extension) which can be read directly by XKB- capable X servers or utilities.

X Keyboard (XKB) Extension essentially replaces the core protocol definition of keyboard. The extension makes possible to clearly and explicitly specify most aspects of keyboard behaviour on per-key basis and to more closely track the logical and physical state of the keyboard. It also includes a number of keyboard controls designed to make keyboards more accessible to people with physical impairments.