When you buy through affiliate links in our content, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Learn What Does Backspace Mean?
The backspace key is a key found on most keyboards, typewriters and virtual keyboard interfaces. The backspace key originated on the typewriter. In modern computer systems, backspace deletes the character to the left of the cursor and shifts all text after that point by one position.
Techopedia Explains Backspace
Nearly all models of manual typewriters as well as modern keyboards have the backspace key. The backspace key is denoted on keyboards by an arrow that points to the left, and it is often located at the top-right portion of the keyboard. In typewriters, the backspace key reverses the platen carriage by one character space with each stroke.
On computer keyboards, both the delete key and backspace key are used to delete text. However there are two main differences between the two keys:
- The delete key deletes the character to the right of the cursor, while backspace deletes the character to the left of the cursor or the insertion point.
- The delete key is also capable of deleting files, folders or icons – a function that backspace cannot perform. In fact, backspace has only the specific function of deleting text. However, some internet browsers return to the previous page when the backspace key is pressed.
