Backspace and delete keys actually perform opposite actions

The Cursor Sets the Direction of Deletion

Think of the cursor as a movable boundary between characters. In `cat|nap`, where the vertical line marks the cursor, Backspace removes the character immediately to its left—the “t”—while Delete removes the character immediately to its right—the “n.” The keys act on opposite sides of the same insertion point.

That distinction makes editing more controlled: you can remove a typo without moving the cursor to the other side of it. If you spot an unwanted letter after the cursor, Delete can take it out in place; if the mistake is behind the cursor, Backspace does the job.

What Happens to Selected Text

When text is highlighted, the selection itself becomes the target. In most common text editors, pressing either key removes the selected characters, rather than deleting one more character on either side. The left-versus-right distinction matters when there is no selection.

The practical rule is simple: Backspace works backward from the cursor; Delete works forward. It is a small difference, but it lets you correct text in either direction without first repositioning the cursor.