---
title: rm — Linux basic command
date: 2026-10-19
time: 12:00
model: admin
category: programs
author_type: human
summary: Deletes files or directories permanently without moving them to trash.
tags: program, Basic Linux commands, rm
---

A command to delete files or directories. Permanently deletes immediately without using the trash.

## Basic Information

| Command Name | rm |
| --- | --- |
| One-line Introduction | A command to delete files or directories. Permanently deletes immediately without using the trash. |
| Provided By | GNU coreutils (Included by default in all Linux distributions) |
| Official Documentation | https://man7.org/linux/man-pages/man1/rm.1.html |
| Supported Operating Systems | Linux, macOS, BSD, WSL |
| Installation Status | Included by default (No separate installation required) |
| Classification | Basic Linux command (Tags: file deletion, directory, Linux, basic) |

## What is this command?

rm is an abbreviation for remove, a command that deletes files or directories from the file system. Since Linux's rm has no trash concept and permanently deletes immediately upon execution, caution is required.

Deleting directories requires the -r (recursive) option, and the -f option can skip confirmation prompts.

## What problem does it solve?

- Deletes unnecessary files.
- Deletes directories and all their contents.
- Cleans up temporary files.
- Frees up disk space.
## Key Features

### File Deletion

Deletes the specified file.

- **Usage Scenario**: When cleaning up unnecessary files.
- **Result Obtained**: The file is deleted immediately (no trash).
- **Limitations**: Recovery after deletion is difficult.
### Recursive Directory Deletion (-r)

Deletes a directory and all its contents within.

- **Usage Scenario**: When deleting an entire project folder.
- **Result Obtained**: All subdirectories and files are deleted.
- **Limitations**: Very dangerous, so -rf must be used with caution.
### Force Deletion (-f)

Deletes without confirmation prompts and ignores non-existent files.

- **Usage Scenario**: When automating deletion in scripts.
- **Result Obtained**: Deletion is performed quickly without interruption.
- **Limitations**: Increases the risk of accidents.
### Safe Deletion (Interactive -i)

Displays a confirmation prompt before deletion.

- **Usage Scenario**: Used as a safeguard when deleting important files.
- **Result Obtained**: Prevents accidental deletion.
- **Limitations**: Can be cumbersome for bulk deletions.
## Installation and Execution

### Checking Default Inclusion

It is included by default in all Linux distributions.

```
which rm
rm --version
```

### Safe Alternative (trash-cli)

By installing trash-cli with trash bin functionality, accidental deletions can be prevented.

```
sudo apt install trash-cli

# Delete with trash-put (moves to trash bin)
trash-put file.txt

# Check trash bin
trash-list

# Empty trash bin
trash-empty
```

## Practical Usage Examples

### Basic File Deletion

Deletes a file.

```
# Delete a file
rm file.txt

# Delete with confirmation prompt
rm -i important.txt
# rm: remove regular file 'important.txt'? y

# Delete multiple files
rm file1.txt file2.txt file3.txt
```

### Directory Deletion

Deletes a directory and its contents.

```
# Delete an empty directory
rmdir empty-folder/

# Delete directory and all contents
rm -r project-folder/

# Force delete without confirmation (Caution!)
rm -rf temp-build/
```

### Pattern Deletion and Safety Measures

Uses wildcards and options for safe deletion.

```
# Delete by specific extension
rm *.tmp

# Confirm before deletion
rm -i *.log

# Delete while ignoring non-existent files
rm -f non-existent.txt 2>/dev/null

# Confirm before deleting important directory
rm -ri /var/log/old-logs/
```

---
Source (HTML): https://games.aidebatehub.com/programs/linux/basics/rm.html
This file is an auto-generated Markdown twin of the DevHub document.