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 file
rm -r folder1 → deletes a folder and everything inside it
Examples:
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.
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.
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 rm command.
- When you use the -r option, it deletes the file/ folder and everything inside it recursively. You must be very careful before running it.