delete
1. <operating system> (Or "erase") To make a file inaccessible.
Usually this operation only deletes information from the tables the file system
uses to locate named files; the file's contents still exist on disk and can
sometimes be recovered by scanning the whole disk for strings which are known to
have been in the file. Files created subsequently on the same disk are quite
likely to reuse the same blocks and thus overwrite the deleted file's data
permanently.
2. <character> The control character with ASCII code 127. Usually
entering this character from the keyboard deletes the last character typed from
the input buffer. Sadly there is great confusion between operating systems and
keyboard manufacturers as to whether this function should be assigned to the
delete or backspace key/character.
The choice of code 127 (binary 1111111) is not arbitrary but dates back to the
use of paper tape for input. The delete key rewound the tape by one character
and punched out all seven holes, thus obliterating whatever character was there
before. The tape reading software ignored any delete characters in the input.
(1996-12-01)
Nearby terms:
delayed control-transfer « delay instruction « delay
slot «
delete » delimiter » delint » Delirium
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