rm (Remove)
The rm command stands for Remove. It is used to delete files and directories from the filesystem. Unlike some desktop environments, the Linux terminal does not have a "Trash" by default—once a file is removed via rm, it is gone.
1. Basic Usage
rm [options] filename
2. Key Options
| Option | Name | Description |
|---|---|---|
-r |
recursive | Recursive. Removes directories and their contents recursively. |
-f |
force | Force. Ignores nonexistent files and never prompts for confirmation. |
-i |
interactive | Interactive. Prompts for confirmation before every removal. |
-v |
verbose | Verbose. Explains what is being done. |
-d |
dir | Removes empty directories. |
3. Practical Examples
① Removing a single file
rm archive.zip
② Removing a directory and all its contents
rm -rf backup_folder/
③ Removing files using wildcards
rm *.tmp
④ Safe removal (Asking for permission)
rm -i sensitive_data.key
4. [Warning] Safety Best Practices
- Think twice before -rf: Always double-check the path when using
rm -rf. A small typo can lead to massive data loss. - Check with ls first: Run
ls [pattern]beforerm [pattern]to ensure you are targeting the correct files. - Avoid root deletion: Never run
rm -rf /or any variant targeting the root directory, as it will destroy your entire operating system.