[SOLVED] Command for deleting file type from a directory and its subdirectories?

Cinematography · 06-21-2012, 01:21 PM

I'm looking for a fast way to recursively delete files from a directory. For example: Suppose I wanted to delete all .bak files from /home/bob/, and the subdirectories within bob?

I think I already know the command. Would I type rm -r *.bak /home/bob? I just want to be sure before I try it.

netraider · 06-21-2012, 02:28 PM

Hello Cinematography,

I would try this:

# find /home/bob -type f -name "*.bak" -exec rm {} \;

That should take care of it. Run the command without -exec rm {} \;
first, to see what will be removed. If you like what you see, then run the full command.

If you find this helpful, please up my rep. Thanks.

414N · 06-21-2012, 02:30 PM

Code:

find /home/bob -type f -name "*.bak" -delete

Same functionality without exec

Cinematography · 06-21-2012, 05:58 PM

Thanks!