File Management

rm Linux Command

Removes (deletes) files or directories. Use -rf for recursive force delete.

What does rm do?

Removes (deletes) files or directories. Use -rf for recursive force delete.

Syntax

rm [options] file

Practical example

rm -rf /tmp/old-folder

Questions about rm

What does rm -rf do?

The `-r` flag deletes directories recursively (including all contents), and `-f` forces deletion without prompting. Use with extreme caution as deleted files cannot be recovered.

How do I delete a file safely with rm?

Use `rm -i filename` to be prompted before each deletion. This prevents accidental removal of important files.

How do I delete all files in a directory?

Use `rm -r directory/` to delete a directory and its contents, or `rm *` to delete all files in the current directory (not directories).

How do I delete files matching a pattern?

Use glob patterns: `rm *.log` deletes all .log files. Use `rm -f *.log` to suppress warnings about missing files.

Can I recover files deleted with rm?

No, `rm` permanently deletes files without sending them to a trash bin. There is no built-in recovery mechanism. Always back up important data.

How do I delete a file that starts with a dash?

Use `--` before the filename: `rm -- -filename` to prevent the filename from being interpreted as an option.

What is the difference between rm and rmdir?

`rm` deletes files and directories (with `-r`). `rmdir` only removes empty directories, making it safer for removing empty folders.

Related File Management

mv

Moves or renames files and directories.

rmdir

Removes an empty directory. Safer than rm -r for removing directories.

cp

Copies files or directories from one location to another.

cat

Displays the entire contents of a file on the terminal.

touch

Creates an empty file or updates the timestamp of an existing file.

less

Views file contents page by page with forward and backward navigation.