Did you know that data removal and deletion are different affordances? It’s important not to confuse the two when you design interfaces.
Deletion removes and destroys data, while removal only takes it away from a data set. Removed data can be retrieved and added back to the set, but deleted data cannot.
Don’t use a delete affordance when you’re only removing data from a set. For example, songs in a playlist are removed, not deleted because the files remain in the database afterward. Users can add them back to the playlist at any time.
Don’t use a remove affordance when you’re deleting data from the database. For example, if the user wants to get rid of a song from a music library, delete would be the proper affordance. The difference here is that the library is the file database, while a playlist is only a copy of it. Removing a song from the library deletes it permanently.
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FAQs
Remove and Delete are defined quite similarly, but the main difference between them is that delete means erase (i.e. rendered nonexistent or unrecoverable), while remove denotes take away and set aside (but kept in existence).
When to use delete and remove? ›
Delete means something gets erased from the system completely. Remove means that it still exists in the system, just not visible in the UI. So I guess I would describe deleting as erasing from backend and removing as hiding from frontend. She went on to explain some more, in context to the software we work on.
What is the meaning of delete or remove? ›
In modern usage, delete means to remove completely. Delete used in writing means to edit by removing, often done by drawing a line through the text to be deleted . This process is also called “blue-penciling,” due to the use of the blue colored pencil that some editors use. Definitions of delete. verb.
What is the difference between delete and remove icons? ›
Definition: "Delete" implies erasure from the system permanently, while "remove" means hiding from the user interface but retaining in the system. Examples: Deleting removes information forever, while removing hides it from the user's view but allows for restoration.
What is the difference between removing and deleting files in file management? ›
Removing files/folders means that you are deleting the file from its current location but keeping it in your computer's trash can in case you want to recover it later. Deleting files/folders means that you are permanently deleting the file from your computer and it cannot be recovered.
What is the difference between remove and delete function? ›
The pop() function removes the last element or the element based on the index given. remove() function removes the first occurrence of the specified element. The del keyword removes the element specified by the index, deletes the whole list as well as slices the list. It does not require a parameter; it is optional.
What is the different meaning of remove? ›
to move or shift to another place or position; transfer: She removed the painting to another wall. Synonyms: transport, displace. to put out; send away: to remove a tenant.
Is removing an app the same as deleting it? ›
Yes, on Android devices “uninstall” is the same thing as “delete". When you remove an app you purchased, you can still reinstall it without having to pay again.
What is the difference between remove and delete command? ›
“Delete” usually refers to written words or images being put in visual form and then erased. “Remove” could be applied to the same media but also can refer to taking a physical item out or away. You can remove an old sofa from your living room, but you can't delete it.
Why uninstall instead of delete? ›
Uninstall is removing a program and its associated files from a computer hard drive. The uninstall feature differs from the delete function in that it safely and efficiently removes all associated files, whereas delete only removes part of a program or selected file.
Also DO NOT delete the folders or contents inside these folders.
- Application Data.
- i386.
- Local Settings.
- Windows folder.
- Program Files.
- Program Files (x86) (if it exists)
- WINNT (if it exists)
Which method is used to remove or delete a file? ›
delete() method. In Java, we can delete a file by using the File. delete() method of File class. The delete() method deletes the file or directory denoted by the abstract pathname.
What two options do you have when you delete a file? ›
Deleting a file removes it from the location where it is stored. If the storage location is your hard disk, the file is moved to the Recycle Bin. If the storage location is a disk, CD, or network location, the file is destroyed.
What is the difference between remove and delete many? ›
remove({condition}) method also deletes documents from a collection, but it removes only a single document that matches the given condition. So, the main difference is that deleteMany() can delete multiple documents, while remove() deletes only one document that meets the condition.
Is delete as appropriate or applicable? ›
“Delete as appropriate” means to erase, strike out, eliminate, remove, eradicate any text that isn't necessary or applicable.
What are the uses of delete? ›
The keyboard key used to delete the text character at, or to the right of, the screen cursor. Pressing Delete (DEL) also deletes the currently highlighted text, image or group of images. The Delete key removes characters to the right of the cursor, whereas the Backspace key deletes to the left. See Backspace key.