vi/vim backspace key

vi/vim editor FAQ: What is the vi/vim backspace key?

In Vim, you delete the character under the cursor using the 'x' key while in command mode (which is the equivalent of a [delete] key), and to delete characters to the left of the cursor -- which is the equivalent of a vim backspace key -- use the capital letter 'X'. This lets you backspace over characters in vim, at least all the way back to the beginning of the current line.

You can find this answer, and many more, by searching for "vim" on our website. I've also created a "How to delete text in vim video tutorial".