How to Use Mac Terminal RM to Delete Files

In this post, we'll go over a common problem some users encounter: how to safely and permanently delete undesired data. This guide will walk you through ways to use Terminal rm to delete files on Mac

The "rm -rf" characters used in the macOS Terminal to carry out the file or folder deletion mission are related to the rm command lines. In other words, the Mac Terminal rm -rf can replace actions carried out via the graphical user interface.

What Is the Rm Command Line on Mac

The "rm" command is a Unix command that removes or deletes files and directories from the filesystem. "Rm" stands for "remove". On a Mac, you can access this command via the Terminal, which lets you interact with the system using command-line utilities.

• ❓Why use the "rm" command when I can delete files by simply dragging them to the Trash?

The answer lies in the "rm" command's power and flexibility. With "rm", you can delete multiple files simultaneously, remove directories and their contents, and even erase files without sending them to the Trash. This power, however, also demands caution as files deleted using the "rm" command are permanently erased and cannot be recovered from the Trash.

Use Mac Terminal RM to Delete Files

Here"s a guide on how you can use the "rm" command to delete files on your Mac:

• Launch Terminal: You can find Terminal in your Utilities folder within Applications. Alternatively, you can use Spotlight (Cmd + Space) and type Terminal.
• Understand the Syntax: The basic syntax of the RM command is as follows:

Here, "options" are optional flags that modify the command"s behavior, and "file1 file2 ..." represents the list of files or directories you want to erase.

Delete a Single File: To delete a single file, use the "rm" command followed by the file"s path. For instance, if you want to delete a file named "example.txt" located in your Documents folder, the command would be:

Delete Multiple Files: List them one after the other to delete multiple files, separating by spaces. For example:

Delete Directories: By default, the "rm" command only deletes files. To remove directories, you need to use the "-r" or "-R" option, which stands for "recursive." The command then becomes:

Force Delete: If you want to ignore non-existent files and never prompt before deleting, use the "-f" option. This is useful when deleting multiple files where some may not exist:

While the "rm" command is a powerful tool, it"s essential to be cautious when using it. You can"t recover files deleted with "rm" from the Trash, as they get permanently erased.

Recover RM Command Deleted Files

Things can get tricky if you've accidentally deleted files using the 'rm' command and want to recover them. The files don't go to the Trash bin; they are removed from the system immediately. If you use the rm, rm -R, rm -f command, empty your trash, or use the Option+Shift+Command+Delete keys, you might not be able to retrieve your deleted files on your Mac.

Using trustworthy Mac data recovery software is a better option. If you complete the three steps above, you can use the EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard to recover deleted data from Mac Terminal.

Step 1. Select the drive to be scanned

In the main EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard window, there will be a list of the drives connected to your Mac. Select the drive you need to recover lost/deleted files from, and click the "Search for lost files" button.

Step 2. Select your lost data/files

EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard for Mac will immediately scan your selected disk volume and display the scanning results on the left pane. You can sort the results to find the wanted files if you are looking for certain files.

Step 3. Recover lost/deleted data

Once you have found the desired files, preview the files and then click "Recover" to begin the recovery of your deleted/lost Mac files.

Conclusion

The 'rm' command is a powerful deletion tool on your Mac, providing flexibility and control that the standard Trash deletion doesn't offer. However, this power comes with the need for caution due to the permanent nature of its deletion. Always double-check your commands before executing them, and keep regular backups of your important files. Even with recovery options, prevention is always better than cure.