Files and folders

The rm command

Deletes files. With -r, whole folders. There is no recycle bin.

Syntax

rm [-r] <archivo>...

Most useful options

-rDeletes folders and everything inside
-fDoes not ask or warn about errors
-iAsks before each deletion

Copy-ready examples

$ cp Documentos/apuntes.txt temporal.txt && rm temporal.txtDelete a file
$ mkdir practica && rm -r practicaDelete a whole folder

You can try them in the browser terminal: it does not touch your computer.

Typical mistakes

  • On Linux there is no recycle bin: what is deleted is gone.

Related commands

rmdirmvcp

FAQ

How do I delete an empty folder?

With rmdir, or rm -r if you do not care about the content.

Is rm -rf dangerous?

Very much: -r deletes recursively and -f does not ask. Use it wisely.

Learn to actually use it

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