Backspace key moves default block into Group block instead of deleting the default block

[afercia]

Description

When pressing the Backspace key (del) in the default block or in an empty paragraph, I expect the default block to be deleted and the previous block to be selected.

This works in most cases, but it doesn't work when the previous block is a Group. Note: I haven't tested with other blocks so it would be great to double check whether this inconsistent behavior happens only with the Group block os also with other ones. As an user, I'm totally confused by this inconsistent behavior. I learned that backspace is supposed to delete the empty default block but in some cases it does something different.

It is worth mentioning that at first I thought the Group block was being deleted instead of the default block. Turns out the Group block isn't deleted. Instead the default block gets moved into the Group block thus becoming a nested paragraph. As an user, this behavior is totally unexpected to me and breaks an established interaction pattern where I expect the backspace key to just delete the empty paragraph.

I think providing a consistent, predictable behavior is key to provide a cohesive user experience. The behavior of the backspace key should be standardized ans always perform the same action. Adding tests would be beneficial as well.

Animated GIF to illustrate:

Step-by-step reproduction instructions

• Edit a post.
• Open the List View to better check what happens with the blocks deletion and selection.
• Add a Table block.
• Click the empty area below the table block to add the default paragraph block.
• Click again to select the default paragraph block and focus it.
• Press the backspace key.
• Observe the default paragraph block gets deleted and the Table block gets selected.
• Add a Columns block.
• Repeat the steps above and observe the behavior is consistent.
• Add a Group block.
• Repeat the steps above.
• Observe that, visually in the canvas, it looks like the Group block gets deleted and the default block stays, which is extremely confusing.
• By observing the List view you can get what actually happens.
• Observe the default paragraph block isn't deleted and instead it gets moved into the Group block.
• Expected: the default paragraph block to be deleted and the Group block to be selected.

Screenshots, screen recording, code snippet

No response

Environment info

No response

Please confirm that you have searched existing issues in the repo.

• Yes

Please confirm that you have tested with all plugins deactivated except Gutenberg.

• Yes

[Mamaduka]

@kevin940726, since you worked on recent fixes in the area; is this an expected behavior?

[kevin940726]

Yeah I think this behavior is unrelated to the recent fix and has been here for a while now. I'm not sure if this is an expected behavior, though. I agree it would be nice to handle this, even treat it as a special case if necessary.

[afercia]

Yeah I think this behavior is unrelated to the recent fix and has been here for a while now.

I forgot to mention this can be reproduced in WordPress 6.6 and 6.5 as well (haven't tested earlier releases) so yes it's been around for a while. Still, it's an inconsistent and unexpected beheavior. I think the backspace key should always do the same thing.