Hi all,

Is it possible to delete a file without using rm command ?

conditions are as follows:-

1) mv command is not allowed
2) GUI utilities are not allowed
3) only command line is allowed to use



assumptions:-

1) immutable property is not set
2) sticky bit is not set
3) there is no permission issues

You can truncate it to zero length by entering >filename at the command prompt
Or, remove it by unlink filename
Dave

Definitely sounds like homework...

suppose if more constraints are added unlink or any other file deletion commands are not allowed ?

Do you have an editor and gcc available? Then you could write a program that does the necessary system calls (aka "create your own rm")

Shutdown the machine, open the case, extract the hard disk, burn it, throw it away. File deleted!

Well... not for sure. What if I find the hard disk and install it in another machine? So, to be on the safe side, may I suggest the intensive use of a heavy hammer before the "throw away" step?

Edit: I should have mentioned that burning does not necessarily destroy anything on disk. Except, of course, if you use an extremely hot fire.

There is a command called SHRED in Linux. I've seen our system administrators use it to delete files securely from the hard disks before moving the hardware.

Debian Kernel

If you are trying to delete the contents of the file you can:

I think I need to clarify an earlier answer of mine. He said that any file deletion tools are not permitted. If so, that would basically rule out anything that can usually be used to delete files. This sounds like a "which gap did we overlook when securing the system" question.

My answer "is gcc allowed, if so, you can compile your own tool" was a serious one, because that would be a gap in the security settings in such a case.

Even though this smells like homework (and probably is), I think it is a quite interesting question

Like evaluatinglinux said, use shred to securely delete files. It writes over the file (25 times by default) with random numbers, then d's, e's, etc. Then it deletes the file. I use it whenever I reformat my laptop, just to make sure nothing gets left behind.