Did you know Backspace and Delete do not have the same function?

The simple difference between backspace and delete is that backspace is used to remove anything to the left of the cursor, and delete is used to remove text to the right of the cursor. Shown below is how text reacts differently to each input, backspace deletes the text from the end toward the beginning. Forward delete takes the text from the beginning.

 

 

Backspace is most commonly used to remove characters or words that have just been typed, for example if a word is spelt wrong then backspace would be used to delete the incorrect characters before re typing the desired inputs.

 

 

Delete can be used to remove anything to the right of the cursor, also known as ‘forward delete’. To use this on MacOS, the user can hold the FN and Backspace keys which then acts as a forward delete button. This is extremely useful if removing parts of text in a longer piece, it can act the same as highlighting then deleting, just with fewer inputs as the trackpad is not required. Alternatively, to forward delete you can use Control and D, which will have the same outcome in forward deleting text.

 

 

 

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Both are very simple functions but very important in basic and efficient use of a keyboard. By implementing these inputs into your daily keyboard use, you will find that the speed and simplicity of with which you can work are both greatly increased.