Definition:
The rm command is used to permanently remove files or directories from your system.
Once removed, they cannot be recovered or undone. Use this command with caution.
Syntax:
rm [options] [file_or_directory]
[options]: -r → used to delete directories recursively
[file_or_directory]: The name of the file or folder you want to delete.
Explanation:
rm file1.txt→ deletes a single file.rm -r folder1→ deletes a folder and everything inside it.
Example 1: Remove a file
$ rm file1.txt
Explanation: This removes file1.txt from the current directory permanently, including its contents and name.
Example 2: Remove multiple files
$ rm file1.txt file2.txt
Explanation: This command deletes both file1.txt and file2.txt permanently at once.
Example 3: Remove a folder and its contents
$ rm -r myfolder
Explanation: Using the -r option deletes the folder myfolder along with all files and subfolders inside it permanently.
Notes:
- Always double-check the file or folder name before running the
rmcommand. - The
-roption deletes directories and their contents recursively. - Data removed with
rmcannot be recovered without backups.