# de command (Editor processor)

The de command deletes one or more lines
from the current item, starting at the current line number position.
If a string is specified, only the lines containing the string are
deleted. Lines are not actually deleted until the item is filed with
an f command. See x command to cancel the de.

## Syntax

```
 de{#lines{/string{/start.col-end.col}}}
```

## Parameter(s)

| start.col | Specifies the beginning column ranges in which string comparisons are made. |
| --- | --- |
| end.col | Specifies the ending column ranges in which string comparisons are made. |

## Description

A de command ending in a delimiter displays the lines as they are deleted.
Note that the line pointer is not incremented.

## Example(s)

Deletes the current line.

```
 de
```
Deletes the current line and the next nine lines.

```
 de10
```
Deletes and displays the current and next nine lines.

```
 de10/
```
Deletes lines containing the string, `abc`, in the current and next nine lines. Any lines not containing this
string are *not* deleted.

```
 de10/abc
```
Deletes and displays the lines containing the string, `abc`, in column ranges 5 through 9, in the current and next
nine lines. Any lines not containing this string, starting at column
position 5, are not deleted.

```
 de10/abc/5-9
```

## See also

- [c command (Editor processor)](https://d3codex.com/editor/c-command-editor-processor/)
- [fi command](https://d3codex.com/editor/fi-command/)
- [Editor overview](https://d3codex.com/editor/editor-overview/)

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Source: https://d3codex.com/editor/de-command-editor-processor/ - part of the D3Codex reference.