How to delete a particular directory from all subdirectories?

Aquarius_Girl · 05-17-2024, 01:37 AM

I want to delete 'build' directory from everywhere on my computer without going inside all directories.

What is the way?

pan64 · 05-17-2024, 02:02 AM

find <root> -name build -type d -delete

syg00 · 05-17-2024, 02:26 AM

Be careful what you wish for.

Maybe issue a print first ... :shrug:

JJJCR · 05-28-2024, 01:55 AM

as Syg00 suggests be careful...

If it's a VM then do a snapshot or clone it.

then do what you like to do:

find <root> -name build -type d -print << check first

if angry but happy to continue:

find <root> -name build -type d -exec rm -rf {} \;

MadeInGermany · 05-28-2024, 10:44 AM

For recursive deletion run rm -r

Code:

find <root> -name build -type d -prune -exec rm -rf {} \;

The -prune does not attempt to descend a deleted directory, can avoid an error message.

sundialsvcs · 05-29-2024, 04:36 PM

I also advise caution. You can use the find command to create a list of files (in a file). Then, review(!) that list. Next, you can use the xargs command to execute a command (such as "rm") for all of the entries in that list. Finally, discard the list-file. Three(!) very-careful and very-deliberate steps.