How Do I Delete a Directory and Content in Linux?
Contents

To remove a directory and all its contents, including any subdirectories and files, use the rm command with the recursive option, -r . Directories that are removed with the rmdir command cannot be recovered, nor can directories and their contents removed with the rm -r command.

How do you delete a directory and its contents in Linux?

How to Remove Directories (Folders)

  1. To remove an empty directory, use either rmdir or rm -d followed by the directory name: rm -d dirname rmdir dirname.
  2. To remove non-empty directories and all the files within them, use the rm command with the -r (recursive) option: rm -r dirname.

How do I delete a directory in Linux?

Open the terminal application. To delete everything in a directory run: rm /path/to/dir/* To remove all sub-directories and files: rm -r /path/to/dir/*
…
Understanding rm command option that deleted all files in a directory

  1. -r : Remove directories and their contents recursively.
  2. -f : Force option. …
  3. -v : Verbose option.
Sarah Jenkins

Sarah Jenkins

Senior Technology Editor & AI Specialist

Sarah Jenkins is a veteran tech journalist with over 12 years of experience covering artificial intelligence, mobile innovations, and digital ethics. Her insights have appeared in leading technology publications worldwide.

Share this article
Twitter Facebook Pinterest