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

Recall & Review

beginner

What does the rm command do in Linux?

The rm command deletes files or directories from the file system permanently.

beginner

How do you remove a directory and all its contents using rm?

Use rm -r directory_name. The -r option means recursive, so it deletes the directory and everything inside it.

beginner

What does the -i option do with the rm command?

The -i option asks for confirmation before deleting each file. It helps prevent accidental deletion.

intermediate

Why should you be careful when using rm -rf /?

Because rm -rf / deletes all files and directories starting from the root, which can erase your entire system and cause it to stop working.

beginner

How can you remove multiple files at once with rm?

You can list multiple files separated by spaces, like rm file1.txt file2.txt file3.txt, and all will be deleted.

What does the command rm -r myfolder do?

A Creates a new folder named 'myfolder'

B Renames the folder 'myfolder'

C Moves 'myfolder' to another location

D Deletes the folder 'myfolder' and all its contents

The -r option means recursive deletion, so it removes the folder and everything inside.

Which option makes rm ask before deleting each file?

A -r

B -f

C -i

D -v

The -i option stands for interactive mode, prompting for confirmation.

What happens if you run rm file.txt?

A The file 'file.txt' is deleted

B The file 'file.txt' is copied

C The file 'file.txt' is renamed

D The file 'file.txt' is opened

The rm command deletes the specified file.

What does the -f option do with rm?

A Forces deletion without asking

B Finds files to delete

C Formats the disk

D Fixes file permissions

The -f option forces deletion and ignores warnings or errors.

Which command deletes multiple files at once?

A rm -r file1 file2 file3

B rm file1 file2 file3

C rm -i file1 file2 file3

D rm -v file1 file2 file3

Listing multiple files after rm deletes all those files.

Explain how to safely delete a directory and its contents using the rm command.

Think about recursive deletion and asking before deleting.

Describe the risks of using rm -rf / and why it should be avoided.

Consider what happens when you delete everything on your computer.