When it comes to navigating and editing text in the Mac OS X Terminal, there are a variety of keyboard shortcuts that can make your life a lot easier. One such shortcut is Option+Delete, which is typically used to delete the previous word in a line of text. However, for those who are used to the "Backward Delete Word" function in other programs, this shortcut can be a bit confusing. In this article, we will discuss how to map Option+Delete to "Backward Delete Word" in the Mac OS X Terminal.
First, it's important to understand the difference between the two functions. "Backward Delete Word" is a function that is commonly found in text editors and word processors. It allows you to delete the entire previous word with just one keystroke. On the other hand, Option+Delete in the Terminal only deletes the character immediately before the cursor. So, if you're used to the "Backward Delete Word" function, you may find Option+Delete to be a bit cumbersome.
The good news is that you can easily map Option+Delete to "Backward Delete Word" in the Terminal. Here's how:
1. Open the Terminal application on your Mac.
2. In the menu bar, click on "Terminal" and then select "Preferences."
3. In the Preferences window, click on the "Profiles" tab.
4. Select the profile that you want to modify (usually the "Basic" profile).
5. Click on the "Keyboard" tab.
6. In the "Keyboard" tab, click on the plus sign (+) at the bottom of the window to add a new shortcut.
7. In the "Key" field, type in Option+Delete.
8. In the "Action" field, type in "send string to shell: \033[3d" (without the quotes).
9. Click on "OK" to save the shortcut.
Now, when you press Option+Delete in the Terminal, it will act as "Backward Delete Word" instead of just deleting the character before the cursor. This can be especially useful when you're editing long commands or writing out lengthy code in the Terminal.
But what if you want to use Option+Delete for its original function of deleting the character before the cursor? Not to worry, you can easily switch back and forth between the two functions by going back into the Preferences window and changing the "Action" field to either "\033[3d" (for "Backward Delete Word") or "\033[3d" (for "Delete Previous Character").
In addition to mapping Option+Delete, you can also map other keyboard shortcuts in the Terminal to your liking. This can be a great way to customize your Terminal experience and make it more efficient for your specific needs.
In conclusion, mapping Option+Delete to "Backward Delete Word" in the Mac OS X Terminal is a simple process that can greatly improve your text editing experience. Whether you're a seasoned Terminal user or just starting out, this shortcut can save you time and frustration. Give it a try and see how it can enhance your workflow.
