How do I delete the character before the cursor?

Explanation

The X command deletes the character to the left of the cursor (before it). It is the backspace equivalent in normal mode.

How it works

• X deletes one character to the left
• The cursor moves left to fill the gap
• Accepts a count: 3X deletes 3 characters to the left

Example

hello

With the cursor on o, pressing X deletes l:

helo

Tips

• x deletes the character under the cursor (forward delete)
• X is the backward version
• 5X deletes 5 characters to the left
• In visual mode, x and X both delete the selection