Deleting files

rossi46 · 11-07-2006, 05:15 PM

Hi all

I have some folders which I'd like to remove, but when I use the rmdir command, I get a message telling me that the directories are not empty. I've already deleted one directory that only had 5 files in it, but the one I want to delete now has more than 30 in it.

Do I have to delete them one at a time or is there a command for multiple deleting, please?

thanks as ever

Paul

OldAl · 11-07-2006, 05:20 PM

Delete all files recursively and the directory will disappear, too :-)

rm -R <your non-empty directory>

HTH a little,

OldAl.

fordeck · 11-07-2006, 05:20 PM

You can use the following command:

rm -fr <dir_name>

Be carefull with this as it will remove all file's and sub-directories under <dir_name>. So make sure they all need to go before pulling the trigger.

rossi46 · 11-07-2006, 05:42 PM

Wow, thanks, guys

Pauly

Emmanuel_uk · 11-08-2006, 02:25 AM

Quote:

rm -fr <dir_name>

a note of caution
rm -fr /home/someuser/somedir is fine

I believe
rm -fr / home/someuser/somedir with a space typo
and you loose everything
(never tried!)

fordeck · 11-08-2006, 08:15 AM

Very good point Emmanuel_uk. Definitely watch what you hit when swinging the big hammer, especially if you are root.