How to delete a Non-empty directory using Terminal on Ubuntu/Linux machine?

Use the rm command to remove or delete a directory, that contains files and folders.

The word rm stands for Remove.

Syntax

Here is the syntax for removing a directory with the required options.

  • The word rm stands for remove.
  • The option r makes a Recursive remove, which removes the directory and all its content.
  • The option f makes a Forced remove, which removes even the locked and unwritable files without asking any permission (by default, rm will ask for permission).
sudo rm -rf dirPath

Use the below command to delete a directory, in the current working directory.

sudo rm -rf sample

Use the below command to delete a directory from anywhere on the machine, using its absolute path.

sudo rm -rf /var/www/sample

Use the below command to delete a directory in interactive mode.

The option i makes the remove function interactive, which will ask for the user's permission before removing anything.

sudo rm -rfi /var/www/sample

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