doku.cifnet.com

The rm command in Linux and Unix-like systems stands for “remove”. It is used to delete files or directories.

Here is the basic syntax for the rm command:

rm [options] file_or_directory

file_or_directory is the name of the file or directory you want to delete.

Warning: It's important to note that the rm command deletes files and directories permanently, meaning it does not move them to trash or recycle bin. So, one must be careful while using it and always double check before executing it.

Here are some examples of the rm command in action:

1. To delete a file called “file1.txt” in the current working directory:

$ rm file1.txt

2. To delete a directory called “mydir” and all of its contents recursively:

$ rm -r mydir

Note: The -r option is used to remove the directory and all of its contents recursively.

3. To delete multiple files at once

$ rm file1.txt file2.txt file3.txt

4. To delete a file without confirmation

$ rm -f file1.txt

Note: The -f option is used to force delete the file without confirmation.

5. To delete a file with a specific name pattern

$ rm -r mydir/*.log

Note: This command will delete all files with a .log extension in the “mydir” directory.

6. To delete a symbolic link

$ rm -r mylink

Note: The -r option is not necessary when removing symbolic link, but it's good practice to include it.

In all the above examples, rm command is used to delete the files or directories with specified names, in specified locations and with specified options. Please be very careful when using the rm command, as once you delete a file or directory with this command it cannot be recovered.