rm -r (remove directories) in Linux CLI - Cheat Sheet & Quick Revision

Recall & Review

beginner

What does the command rm -r do in Linux?

The rm -r command removes directories and their contents recursively. It deletes the folder and everything inside it, including subfolders and files.

beginner

Why should you be careful when using rm -r?

Because rm -r deletes everything inside the directory without asking for confirmation by default. This can cause loss of important files if used carelessly.

intermediate

How can you make rm -r ask for confirmation before deleting each file?

You can add the -i option like rm -ri directory_name. This makes the command ask you to confirm before deleting each file or folder.

intermediate

What is the difference between rm -r and rm -rf?

rm -r removes directories recursively and may ask for confirmation if files are write-protected. rm -rf forces removal without any prompts, even for write-protected files.

beginner

Can rm -r delete hidden files and folders?

Yes, rm -r deletes all files and folders inside the directory, including hidden ones (those starting with a dot).

What does the -r option do in the rm command?

A Removes directories and their contents recursively

B Renames files

C Reads file contents

D Restores deleted files

-r means recursive removal of directories and their contents.

Which command will delete a directory named docs and all its contents without asking for confirmation?

A rm docs

B rm -r docs

C rm -i docs

D rm -rf docs

rm -rf docs forces recursive deletion without prompts.

If you want to be asked before deleting each file inside a directory, which command should you use?

A rm -r directory

B rm -rf directory

C rm -ri directory

D rm directory

-i option makes rm interactive, asking for confirmation.

Does rm -r delete hidden files inside directories?

A No, it skips hidden files

B Yes, it deletes hidden files too

C Only if you add <code>-h</code>

D Only if files are not write-protected

rm -r deletes all files including hidden ones.

What happens if you run rm -r /important_folder by mistake?

A The folder and all its contents will be deleted

B The folder will be renamed

C Nothing happens, it just lists files

D The folder is backed up automatically

The command deletes the folder and everything inside it.

Explain what the rm -r command does and why it should be used carefully.

Think about deleting a folder with many files inside.

Describe how to safely delete a directory using rm -r with confirmation prompts.

Add an option to make the command interactive.