To delete a folder along with everything inside it — files and subfolders included — use rm with the -r (recursive) flag:

bash

rm -r /path/to/folder

Replace /path/to/folder with the actual path you want to delete.

Before you run it:

  • rm -r deletes permanently. There's no trash bin, no undo, no confirmation prompt.
  • Double-check the path. A typo here can wipe out the wrong directory.
  • If you get a permissions error, you may need sudo rm -r /path/to/folder. Use it deliberately — sudo bypasses the safety checks that would normally stop you from deleting system-critical files.

Want a safety net? Add -i to get a prompt before each deletion:

bash

rm -ri /path/to/folder

It's slower for large directories, but worth it if you're not 100% sure what's inside the folder.

Changes: tighter intro, pulled the caution notes into a scannable list instead of a dense paragraph, and added the -i tip since it's the natural follow-up any sysadmin would want. Let me know if you want it shorter or in a different tone