Delete key
Encyclopedia
The delete key known less ambiguously as forward delete, performs a function when struck on a computer keyboard
during text or command editing, which is to discard the character ahead of the cursor
's position, moving all following characters one position "back" towards the freed letterspace. The key appears on IBM-compatible PC keyboards
labeled as Delete, or Del. On Mac keyboard
s, the key which performs the forward delete function is labeled del, or with a special right arrow glyph enclosing an "x" with the word del or delete above or to the left of it, as the full word delete by itself is reserved for labelling the key otherwise known as Backspace
.
On Unix-like
systems, the delete key is usually mapped to ESC [3 ~ which is the VT220
escape code for the "delete character
" key.
On many notebook computer keyboards the key labeled Delete (sometimes Delete and Backspace are printed on the same key) serves the same purpose as a Backspace key. Othertimes, the Delete Key is in its original IBM notebook position of above and to the right of the Backspace key. Many laptops add rows of smaller keys above the Function Key line to add keys on a non-standard size keyboard. On this row of smaller keys the Delete Key is often the third key in from the right. On Apple Inc.'s line of laptops (e.g. the MacBook
and MacBook Pro
), the forward delete function can be achieved using the Fn
+delete (backspace) key combination.
Sometimes this desired effect is replaced by inserting Control-H (or, less frequently, Control-?) instead. This is related to ASCII control characters for BS and DEL.
Also, the delete key often works as a generic command to remove a selected object, such as an image embedded in a document (on Macs both the forward delete key and the delete (backspace) key have the same effect when pressed while an object is selected).
The delete key, on many modern motherboards, also functions to open the BIOS
setup screen when pressed after starting the computer.
Computer keyboard
In computing, a keyboard is a typewriter-style keyboard, which uses an arrangement of buttons or keys, to act as mechanical levers or electronic switches...
during text or command editing, which is to discard the character ahead of the cursor
Cursor (computers)
In computing, a cursor is an indicator used to show the position on a computer monitor or other display device that will respond to input from a text input or pointing device. The flashing text cursor may be referred to as a caret in some cases...
's position, moving all following characters one position "back" towards the freed letterspace. The key appears on IBM-compatible PC keyboards
IBM PC keyboard
The keyboards for IBM PC compatible computers are standardized. However, during the 3-plus decades of PC architecture being constantly updated, multiple types of keyboard layout variations have been developed....
labeled as Delete, or Del. On Mac keyboard
Apple keyboard
The Apple Keyboard is a keyboard designed by Apple first for the Apple line, then the Macintosh line of computers. It is available in both wired and Bluetooth models.- Layout :...
s, the key which performs the forward delete function is labeled del, or with a special right arrow glyph enclosing an "x" with the word del or delete above or to the left of it, as the full word delete by itself is reserved for labelling the key otherwise known as Backspace
Backspace
Backspace is the keyboard key that originally pushed the typewriter carriage one position backwards, and in modern computer displays moves the cursor one position backwards, deletes the preceding character, and shifts back the text after it by one position....
.
On Unix-like
Unix-like
A Unix-like operating system is one that behaves in a manner similar to a Unix system, while not necessarily conforming to or being certified to any version of the Single UNIX Specification....
systems, the delete key is usually mapped to ESC [3 ~ which is the VT220
VT220
The VT220 was a terminal produced by Digital Equipment Corporation from 1983 to 1987.-Hardware:The VT220 improved on the earlier VT100 series of terminals with a redesigned keyboard, much smaller physical packaging, and a much faster microprocessor...
escape code for the "delete character
Delete character
In computing, a delete character is the last character in the ASCII repertoire, with the code 127. Not a graphic character, it denoted as ^? in caret notation and has a graphic representation in Unicode like all ASCII control characters, while its meaning is a bit unclear.There is no common...
" key.
On many notebook computer keyboards the key labeled Delete (sometimes Delete and Backspace are printed on the same key) serves the same purpose as a Backspace key. Othertimes, the Delete Key is in its original IBM notebook position of above and to the right of the Backspace key. Many laptops add rows of smaller keys above the Function Key line to add keys on a non-standard size keyboard. On this row of smaller keys the Delete Key is often the third key in from the right. On Apple Inc.'s line of laptops (e.g. the MacBook
MacBook
The MacBook was a brand of Macintosh notebook computers built by Apple Inc. First introduced in May 2006, it replaced the iBook and 12-inch PowerBook series of notebooks as a part of the Apple–Intel transition. Positioned as the low end of the MacBook family, the Apple MacBook was aimed at the...
and MacBook Pro
MacBook Pro
The MacBook Pro is a line of Macintosh portable computers introduced in January 2006 by Apple. It replaced the PowerBook G4 and was the second model, after the iMac, to be announced in the Apple–Intel transition...
), the forward delete function can be achieved using the Fn
Fn key
Fn, or 'Function', is a modifier key on many keyboards, especially on laptops, used in a compact layout to combine keys which are usually kept separate. It is typically found on laptops, since a full-sized keyboard would be difficult to fit in a laptop chassis. It is also found in many full-sized...
+delete (backspace) key combination.
Sometimes this desired effect is replaced by inserting Control-H (or, less frequently, Control-?) instead. This is related to ASCII control characters for BS and DEL.
Also, the delete key often works as a generic command to remove a selected object, such as an image embedded in a document (on Macs both the forward delete key and the delete (backspace) key have the same effect when pressed while an object is selected).
The delete key, on many modern motherboards, also functions to open the BIOS
BIOS
In IBM PC compatible computers, the basic input/output system , also known as the System BIOS or ROM BIOS , is a de facto standard defining a firmware interface....
setup screen when pressed after starting the computer.