rm
Remove files or directories. Deleted data is usually not recoverable.
Syntax
$rm [OPTIONS] FILE...
Optionen
-r, --recursive
Delete directories recursively
-f, --force
No prompts, ignore non-existent files
-i, --interactive
Ask before each deletion
-v, --verbose
Show deleted files
--preserve-root
Prevents accidental deletion of / (default in newer versions)
--one-file-system
Stays in the same filesystem
Examples
Examples
$rm file.txt
Examples
$rm -r folder/
Examples
$rm -rf /tmp/*
Examples
$rm -i important_file.txt
Examples
$rm --preserve-root /
Warnings
DANGER: This command can irreversibly destroy data!
Tip: First test with ls or other read-only commands
Shortcuts
rm -rf / (NEVER run - destroys the system!)
rm -rf * (deletes everything in current directory)
Typical use cases
rm -rf /tmp/*
rm /var/log/*.old
Note
One of the most dangerous commands in the Linux arsenal. Always double-check! Alternatives:
trash-cli for recoverable deletions, shred for secure deletion of sensitive data.
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