# delete command

The delete BASIC program deletes one
or more items from the given file.

If dictionary is specified, the dictionary items are deleted.
If dictionary is not specified, the data items are deleted.

This command does not delete the file itself. To remove data from
the file, active update must be on (see [set-active-update command](https://d3codex.com/tcl/set-active-update-command/)).

## Syntax

```
delete file.reference {itemlist*} {selection.criteria} {(option}
```

## Parameter(s)

| options | i | Suppresses the message item deleted. |
| --- | --- | --- |

## Example(s)

```
delete names smith
[435] item ’SMITH’ deleted
```

## See also

- [copy command](https://d3codex.com/tcl/copy-command/)
- [delete-account command](https://d3codex.com/tcl/delete-account-command/)
- [delete-file command](https://d3codex.com/tcl/delete-file-command/)
- [fd command](https://d3codex.com/editor/fd-command/)
- [fdk command](https://d3codex.com/editor/fdk-command/)

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Source: https://d3codex.com/tcl/delete-command/ - part of the D3Codex reference.