Add functional key FORWARD_DELETE (delete equivalent of backspace).

[Symbiomatrix]

Is your feature request related to a problem? Please describe. As far as I can tell, FORWARD_DELETE is not implemented (no references besides in floris' keycode.kt). Standard pc keyboard key, shortcut for going right and backspacing (can be inconvenient on repeat).

Describe the solution you'd like An additional delete key which can remove the character one position ahead of the cursor, which can be added to layout (ie reference in keylabel.kt).

Use case Simple convenience function - I often move the cursor around by tapping the text, and due to inaccuracy sometimes the cursor falls somewhere in the vicinity of say a target word instead of exactly at its end; being able to delete on both sides, you can wipe it in full from any point.

Describe alternatives you've considered (if any) Right+'backspace' delete. But it's in a similar vein as "let's not define END because there's down+HOME+left to do that", kind of awkward and even worse here since deletes are repeatable unlike home/end.

[herrbrixter]

I'd like it as an additional toolbar button.

[Symbiomatrix]

I'd like it as part of the toolbar instead of the keyboard layout. I won't use it as often as backspace so it is fine as a toolbar command.

That's what I meant too, afaik any functional or toolbar command should be addable to a custom layout - not that the key should be standard, that would be quite strange.

[bdantas]

While this feature is not implemented, does anyone know if it would be possible to create some kind of workaround--e.g., to configure a key (perhaps via HeliBoard Settings -> Advanced -> Customize symbols and number layouts -> Symbols) that performs two consecutive actions (right then backspace)?

In the Symbols configuration screen, right creates a key that moves cursor to the right and delete creates a key that performs backspace, but I cannot figure out if the syntax allows creation of a key that performs one action then the other.

[BlackyHawky]

@bdantas I'm pretty sure that what you're asking is unfortunately impossible. 😬

[bdantas]

@BlackyHawky I figured but thanks for confirming. I love HeliBoard as-is, with a forward_delete key it would be perfection. Happy hacking!

[BlackyHawky]

Indeed, this feature will be a plus for Heliboard. I hope we'll be able to get it in the next release.

[Cividan2]

I'm chiming in here to mention I requested this key also but as the "shift + delete" combo key, request is here: https://github.com/Helium314/HeliBoard/issues/1170

[vertigo220]

I'm chiming in here to mention I requested this key also but as the "shift + delete" combo key, request is here: #1170

I actually prefer this idea, s it's always readily vailable without requiring more buttons on an already packed toolbar. Though both would be ideal. And it shouldn't require holding shift then pressing backspace, but simply pressing shift. Just like letters re changed to show their capital bersins when shift is pressed, the backspace key could change to sy DEL. And pressing it once and releasing would delete one chrcter and revert back, while pressing and holding or swiping would do the same as the backspace key functions. And activating caps lock would make it stay as delete with multiple presses, same as the letters stay capitalized, until its3turned off.

[herrbrixter]

I prefer this idea over #1170 because this requires just 1 tap to forward delete. I have enough space in my toolbar to add a forward delete key.

[bdantas]

I prefer this idea over #1170 because this requires just 1 tap to forward delete. I have enough space in my toolbar to add a forward delete key.

Hi herrbrixter. I agree that 1 tap to forward delete would be the way to go. It would definitely be worth shuffling some keys around my configuration to make space for a forward_delete key.

Accomplishing forward_delete with two key presses is already possible (by pressing right arrow then backspace) and more convenient than the proposed shift+backspace.

[vertigo220]

Accomplishing forward_delete with two key presses is already possible (by pressing right arrow then backspace) and more convenient than the proposed shift+backspace.

Not really the same, though, because if you want to delete multiple characters, you have to right arrow that many over. Of course you could tap, but that's generally not precise enough and would require yet more movements, and the same goes for moving over by dragging on the spacebar, not to mention the time involved in doing that, vs simply tapping one button/key to activate delete then deleting.

Ultimately, as with many things, it would be nice to have both. For those that would like it as its own button on the toolbar, it should be available like that, and for those that don't use the toolbar like that (e.g. I use it for suggestions/autocorrect, so I would have to do an additional tap anyways just to expand the toolbar, not to mention I'd then have to scroll it due to more items than space on it), having the option to toggle the backspace key with another key would be welcome.

[herrbrixter]

#1747

This is a duplicate issue that is also requesting for a forward delete key.