Related

List Directory Contents

linux

List files and directories in the current or specified directory with various formatting options.

Copy Files

linux

Copy files and directories from one location to another.

Move or Rename Files

linux

Move or rename files and directories.

linux/rm

Remove Files or Directories

Delete files or directories permanently.

filesystem
basic
delete
remove
linux

Command

rm

Explanation

The `rm` (remove) command deletes files and directories. The `-r` flag enables recursive deletion, while `-f` forces deletion without prompts. The `-i` option provides confirmation before deleting each file. Extreme caution is required when using recursive or force options, especially with wildcards.

Common Use Cases

  • •Clean up temporary or log files
  • •Delete unwanted directories
  • •Remove build artifacts or compiled code

Best Practices

  • ✓Avoid using `rm -rf` without double-checking paths
  • ✓Use `trash-cli` for safer deletions
  • ✓Run `ls` before deleting to confirm file targets

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • ⚠Using `rm -rf /` which deletes critical system files
  • ⚠Deleting wrong directories with wildcards
  • ⚠Forgetting to confirm deletions when using `-f`

Troubleshooting

Problem: Cannot remove directory: Directory not empty

Solution: Use `rm -r directory/` to delete recursively.

Problem: Permission denied

Solution: Use `sudo rm` with caution for restricted files.

Examples

Delete a single file

rm file.txt

Recursively delete a directory

rm -r directory/

Force delete without confirmation

rm -f file.txt

More

Create File or Update Timestamps

linux

Create new empty files or update existing file timestamps.

Change Directory

linux

Change the current working directory to a specified path.

Print Working Directory

linux

Display the full path of the current working directory.