How to backspace from command mode in Vim?

Question

If I'm in command mode, how do I backspace? Hitting the delete key on my Macbook just moves the cursor to the left one space. The fastest way I know to do this is h, x, but is there a better way, maybe with one key?

Answer 1

x deletes to the right, X deletes to the left

This may be useful for you: Vim Cheat Sheet

Answer 2

In command mode, r might also be useful in some circumstances. It allows you to replace a single character under the cursor.

Typically I often use rSpace, to remove a character on a line without changing the indentation or alignement.

For example if you have the following code :

var anotherOne   = NULL;
var short1       = NULL;
var veryLongLong = NULL;

by using rSpace on '1', your now have :

var anotherOne   = NULL;
var short        = NULL;
var veryLongLong = NULL;

instead of

var anotherOne   = NULL;
var short       = NULL;
var veryLongLong = NULL;

In the latter case, you must switch to insert mode to add another space.

Answer 3

Map it to g space or your preferred shortcut in your vimrc. This works in command mode

nnoremap <silent> g<Space>  i<Space><Esc>

if you want to perform a move action after space, append the move action after Esc. e.g. below moves mouse to the left after space

nnoremap <silent> g<Space>  i<Space><Esc>j