Shortkey in HippoEDIT, is something in between code template and command:
As code template, shortkey triggered by key, but in compare to code template key here not a string (several characters) but single, normally printable character. As *, / or $.
As command, after execution, program can decide what to do: insert text, surround selection or do nothing. But in compare to command, shortkey can be printable character and can decide if it can stop further processing or can pass control to another shortkey/code.