rm
Remove files or directories permanently from the filesystem.
Synopsis
rm [OPTION]... FILE...
Examples
rm file.txt
rm -rf /tmp/build/
rm -iv *.bak
rm -f -- -weirdname
Common options
| Flag | Description |
|---|---|
| -r, -R | Remove directories and their contents recursively |
| -f | Force removal without prompting |
| -i | Prompt before each removal |
| -v | Verbose — print each removed file |
| -d | Remove empty directories |
About rm
The `rm` command remove files or directories permanently from the filesystem. File operation commands are essential for navigating and managing the Linux filesystem.
They form the backbone of everyday system administration and development workflows. Mastering these commands enables you to efficiently create, move, copy, and organize files and directories from the terminal, which is often faster and more scriptable than graphical alternatives.
The command accepts 5 commonly used flags shown above, though the full set of options is available in the man page (`man rm`). The 4 examples on this page cover typical real-world usage patterns that you can copy and adapt for your own workflows.
Related commands
More File Operations Commands
Other commands in the File Operations category