The Linux rm Command: Remove Files

rm removes files and directories. Warning: There is no trash bin - deleted files are gone.

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Basic Usage

rm file.txt
rm file1.txt file2.txt

Remove files.

Directory

rm -r mydir/

Recursive (includes contents).

Force

rm -f file.txt

Force (no prompt, ignore non-existent).

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Safety Options

• -i — Interactive (confirm each)
• -I — Prompt once for many files
• -r/-R — Recursive
• -f — Force (no prompt)
• -v — Verbose

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Examples

Interactive delete

rm -ri directory/

Prompts before each removal.

Keep certain files

rm -v * | grep -v keep.txt

Pipe to filter.

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Further Reading

• rm Manual
• rm Command Builder