How to Delete Non Empty Folder in Linux
Deleting a non-empty folder in Linux can sometimes be a bit tricky, especially if you’re not familiar with the command line. However, with the right approach, you can easily remove a folder and all its contents. In this article, we will discuss various methods to delete non-empty folders in Linux, ensuring that you can clean up your file system without any issues.
Method 1: Using the rm Command
The most straightforward way to delete a non-empty folder in Linux is by using the `rm` command. The `rm` command is a powerful tool that allows you to remove files and directories. To delete a non-empty folder, follow these steps:
1. Open your terminal.
2. Navigate to the directory that contains the folder you want to delete.
3. Run the following command, replacing `
“`
rm -r
“`
The `-r` flag is crucial as it tells the `rm` command to remove the contents of the folder recursively. If you omit this flag, the command will only delete the folder itself, leaving its contents intact.
Method 2: Using the rmdir Command
The `rmdir` command is another way to delete non-empty folders in Linux. However, it works differently from the `rm` command. The `rmdir` command can only remove empty directories, so you will need to delete the contents of the folder first using another command like `rm`.
1. Open your terminal.
2. Navigate to the directory that contains the folder you want to delete.
3. Run the following command to delete the contents of the folder:
“`
rm -r
“`
4. Once the contents are deleted, you can now remove the folder itself using the `rmdir` command:
“`
rmdir
“`
Method 3: Using the trash Command
If you want to delete a non-empty folder without permanently removing its contents, you can use the `trash` command. The `trash` command moves files and directories to the trash instead of deleting them permanently.
1. Open your terminal.
2. Navigate to the directory that contains the folder you want to delete.
3. Run the following command to move the folder to the trash:
“`
trash
“`
You can then access the trash using your file manager and delete the folder from there.
Conclusion
Deleting a non-empty folder in Linux can be achieved using various methods. The `rm` command is the most commonly used method, but you can also use the `rmdir` command or the `trash` command, depending on your requirements. Always ensure that you double-check the folder name and its contents before deleting to avoid any unintended data loss.
