I use that da" very often, but for some strange reason it stuck in my brain as a... | Hacker News

Hacker Newsnew | past | comments | ask | show | jobs | submit

tudorizer on Aug 29, 2011 | parent | context | favorite | on: Learn Vim Progressively

I use that da" very often, but for some strange reason it stuck in my brain as abbreviation from 'delete around "', which is inaccurate. Thanks for making me realize this.

pyre on Aug 29, 2011 | [–]

Better to think of if as 'delete a' or 'delete in':

  da" => 'delete a "-block'
  di" => 'change in "-block'

billybob on Aug 29, 2011 | | [–]

Yes, "delete a" and "delete inner" is how Vim explains these text object operations. See ":help da", for example.

ambrosebs on Aug 29, 2011 | [–]

FWIW I would pronounce it "delete all".

Consider applying for YC's Fall 2026 batch! Applications are open till July 27.
Guidelines | FAQ | Lists | API | Security | Legal | Apply to YC | Contact