How do you delete text in VIM's Normal mode?

x deletes a character, dd a whole line, dw a word — and a number prefix repeats it (3dd = 3 lines).

* Operator + motion compose — learn the grammar once and it generalizes (dw, d$, 3dd). *

Notice the pattern: d is the "delete" operator and it combines with a motion (dw=delete word, d$=delete to end of line). Learn the operator-plus-motion idea once and it generalizes across vim. Deleted text isn't gone — it's stashed in a register, so dd then p is really "cut and paste."

Deletion commands:

Combining with numbers:

3dd     " Delete 3 lines
5x      " Delete 5 characters
2dw     " Delete 2 words

Important: Deleted text is stored in a register (like clipboard) and can be pasted with p.

Undo and Redo:

Tip: dd + p = cut and paste a line!

Go deeper:

• Vim help: change.txt (vimhelp.org) — x, dd, dw, the operator+motion model, and registers.