How to Delete a File or Directory in Linux

But be careful what you are doing

If you have root access on your Linux PC, you have the power to delete any file or directory you like. This can be dangerous, however, with tools likermallowing users to carelessly erase crucial system files by accident. That’s why, if you’re trying to deletefiles or directories in Linux, you need to take some precautions.

There are a few ways you can remove directories or files on Linux, using either your Linux distribution’s file manager or an open terminal (as long as you have theright permissions). If you want to know how to delete a file or directory in Linux, here’s what you’ll need to do.

Using a File Manager to Remove Files or Directories in Linux

If you’re aLinux beginner, you might be wary about using the terminal to delete files or folders in Linux. After all, there’s no turning back once you set a command likermoff to start deleting files. Rather than risk this, you can use the file manager packaged with your Linux distribution to delete files or folders instead.

While Linux file managers do vary in design, they should work in much the same way. This guide explores how to do this using Ubuntu’s file manager, but the steps are likely to be similar for the file manager included in other distributions.

How to Remove Files or Directories in Linux Using the rm Command

Removing files or folders using your distribution’s file manager app works fine, but there are some limitations. For instance, if you’re not the owner of the file, you’ll need to open your file manager with root access using the terminal to delete it. You also can’t use an app like this on a headless (terminal-only) Linux installation.

That’s where thermcommand comes in. This Unix command dates back to 1971 and remains the fastest way to delete files or directories on Linux. Be warned, however—thermcommand has great power, especially if you’re running itwith sudo or as the root userdirectly, so you’ll need to take care using it.

If you want to learn more about the possiblermoptions and arguments, typeman shredin the terminal to view the full manual.

Completely Erasing Files Using the shred Command

While commands like rm and unlink are great for deleting files in Linux, they do leave traces. You (or somebody else) could use these traces torecover filesfrom a hard drive or portable storage that you’ve previously deleted. This might not be ideal, especially if you don’t want the files to be retrieved.

To get around this problem, you can overwrite files first using theshredcommand. This makes sure that all data within the file is overwritten repeatedly before it’s deleted, ensuring no traces of the file are left and preventing it from being retrieved. You may want to use this command to erase sensitive documents, for instance.

As withrm, you can learn more by typingman shredin the terminal before using the command.

Protecting Your Files on Linux Systems

When you remove a directory or file in Linux, you’re freeing up space on your hard drive for the files that truly matter, whether it’s important documents or irreplaceable photos. It doesn’t matter whether you’re usingLinux Mintor anyother major distribution, as the steps above should work for almost any Linux distro you choose to use.

If you’re worried about data loss, there are some steps you can take to protect your files. While Linux systems are typically more secure, aLinux antiviruscan help you to keep your files safe from malware that could spread across your local network. You may want to considerautomating a file backupusing local or cloud storage, too.

Ben Stockton is a freelance technology writer based in the United Kingdom. In a past life, Ben was a college lecturer in the UK, training teens and adults. Since leaving the classroom, Ben has taken his teaching experience and applied it to writing tech how-to guides and tutorials, specialising in Linux, Windows, and Android. He has a degree in History and a postgraduate qualification in Computing.Read Ben’s Full Bio

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How to Delete a File or Directory in Linux#

Using a File Manager to Remove Files or Directories in Linux#

How to Remove Files or Directories in Linux Using the rm Command#

Completely Erasing Files Using the shred Command#

Protecting Your Files on Linux Systems#