Definition:
When you run the rm command in your terminal, it permanently removes files or directories from the OS, which means they are deleted and cannot be recovered/ undone.
Syntax:
rm [options] [file or directory]
[options]: -r (for deleting directories)
[file or directory]: You should type in here the file or folder name that you want to remove.
Explanation:
rm file1.txt→ deletes a single filerm -r folder1→ deletes a folder and everything inside it
Example 1 – Remove a file
Command:
rm file1.txt
Explanation: It deletes file1.txt from the current directory. The file has been permanently deleted, along with its contents and name.
Example 2 – Remove multiple files at once
Command:
rm file1.txt file2.txt
Explanation: When you run this command with more than one file, it permanently deletes all the specified files.
Example 3 – Remove a folder and everything inside it
Command:
rm -r myfolder
Explanation: When you use the -r option, it permanently deletes the folder (for example, myfolder) along with all files and subfolders inside it.
Notes:
- When you use this command, verify the file or folder name carefully before running the
rmcommand. - When you use the
-roption, it deletes the file/ folder and everything inside it recursively. You must be very careful before running it.