How to Delete Files, Folders, and Tools in Termux

As a beginner Termux user, you might find it tricky to delete files, folders, and tools. Unlike typical Android file managers, Termux stores these items in the root directory, making them inaccessible through standard methods. This tutorial provides a comprehensive guide on how to effectively remove files, folders, and even tools from your Termux environment on Android.

There are several methods to delete files and folders within Termux. Let’s explore the most common and effective ones.

Complete Tutorial on Deleting Files, Folders, and Tools in Termux Android

Deleting Files in Termux

Using the “rm” Command

The rm command is fundamental in Linux-based systems like Termux for removing files. It’s a versatile command with different options to suit various deletion needs.

Examples of Using the “rm” Command

• $ rm {filename} – This is the basic command to delete a single file.
• $ rm [options] {filename} – This allows for adding options to modify the deletion behavior.
• $ unlink {filename} – Another command to delete a single file, similar to rm.
• $ rm -f -r {filename} – This command uses options for more forceful or recursive deletion.

Options Explained:

• -f (force): This option forces deletion without prompting for confirmation, useful for scripting or when you are certain about deletion.
• -r or -R (recursive): This option is used to delete directories and their contents recursively. However, for deleting directories, it’s generally better to use rmdir or rm -rf as explained later.

Examples of “rm” Command Usage:

To delete a file named abc.txt, you would use:

rm abc.txt

To forcefully delete a file named kumpulanremaja without confirmation, you can use:

rm -f kumpulanremaja

If you have a folder containing numerous files and you intend to delete all files within it (but not the folder itself), you would navigate into the folder using cd and then use rm * to delete all files in the current directory. Be cautious with rm * as it deletes everything in the current directory.

Deleting Directories / Folders

To remove directories or folders in Termux, you can use the following commands:

Using the rmdir {folder name} Command

The rmdir command is specifically designed to delete empty directories. It will fail if the directory contains any files or subdirectories.

Example of rmdir Usage

rmdir empty_folder

If you need to delete a directory that is not empty, rmdir will not work. In such cases, you should use rm -rf.

Using rm -rf {folder name} to Delete Non-Empty Folders

The command rm -rf is powerful and should be used with caution. It recursively deletes a directory and all its contents (files and subdirectories) without prompting for confirmation due to the -f (force) option.

Example of Deleting a Folder:

To delete a folder named kumpulanremaja and all its contents, use:

rm -rf kumpulanremaja

WARNING: Be extremely careful when using rm -rf, especially with root directories. Incorrect usage can lead to irreversible data loss. Double-check the folder name before executing this command.

Deleting Files in Termux Using Midnight Commander (mc)

For users who prefer a graphical interface within the terminal, Midnight Commander (mc) provides a user-friendly way to manage and delete files and folders in Termux.

First, you need to install Midnight Commander:

pkg install mc

After installation, run it by typing:

mc

This will launch the Midnight Commander interface within your Termux session.

Alt text: Midnight Commander interface in Termux showing file and directory listing.

To delete a file or folder using Midnight Commander:

1. Navigate: Use the arrow keys to navigate to the file or folder you want to delete.
2. Select: Highlight the file or folder.
3. Delete: Press the F8 key (which typically corresponds to ‘Delete’ in mc). You can see function key mappings at the bottom of the mc interface.
4. Confirm: You will be prompted with a confirmation dialog asking “Delete?”. Select “Yes” to proceed with the deletion.

Alt text: Confirmation dialog box in Midnight Commander asking the user to confirm file deletion.

5. Final Confirmation: If you are deleting a non-empty directory, Midnight Commander will show another confirmation to ensure you really want to delete the directory and its contents. Click “Yes” to finalize the deletion.

Once confirmed, the file or folder will be permanently deleted from your Termux environment.

Conclusion

Deleting files, folders, and tools in Termux is essential for managing your workspace effectively. Whether you prefer using command-line tools like rm and rmdir or a file manager interface like Midnight Commander, Termux provides the flexibility to handle file management according to your preference. Always exercise caution when using deletion commands, especially rm -rf, to avoid accidental data loss. Understanding these methods will empower you to keep your Termux environment organized and efficient.