How to Remove Non Empty Directory in Mac
Removing a non-empty directory in macOS can sometimes be a challenging task, especially if you’re not familiar with the command line or the Finder’s advanced options. However, there are several methods you can use to delete a directory that is not empty. In this article, we will discuss the different ways to remove a non-empty directory in Mac, including using the Finder, Terminal, and third-party applications.
Using the Finder
The Finder is the default file manager in macOS, and it provides a straightforward way to delete directories. Here’s how you can remove a non-empty directory using the Finder:
1. Open the Finder and navigate to the directory you want to delete.
2. Right-click on the directory and select “Move to Trash.”
3. If prompted, enter your administrator password to confirm the deletion.
This method will move the directory to the Trash, but it will not delete the contents of the directory. To permanently delete the directory and its contents, you need to empty the Trash.
Using the Terminal
If you prefer using the command line, the Terminal offers a more powerful and flexible way to remove non-empty directories. Here’s how to do it:
1. Open the Terminal application.
2. Navigate to the directory you want to delete using the `cd` command. For example, if the directory is located in your home folder, you can use the following command:
“`
cd ~/path/to/directory
“`
3. Once you are in the directory, use the `rm -rf` command to delete the directory and its contents. For example:
“`
sudo rm -rf .
“`
Note that the `.` represents the current directory, and the `-rf` flags mean “recursive” and “force,” respectively. The `sudo` command is used to run the command with administrative privileges.
After executing this command, the directory and its contents will be permanently deleted.
Using Third-Party Applications
If you’re looking for a more user-friendly approach, you can use third-party applications designed to handle directory deletion in macOS. Some popular options include:
1. CleanMyMac X: This all-in-one system cleaner includes a feature to remove unnecessary files and directories, including non-empty ones.
2. Disk Doctor: This application helps you manage your disk space by finding and deleting unnecessary files and directories.
3. Hazel: Hazel is a smart Mac cleaner that automatically manages your files and directories, including deleting non-empty ones based on your preferences.
These applications provide a graphical interface and additional features to make the process of deleting non-empty directories more accessible and efficient.
In conclusion, removing a non-empty directory in macOS can be done using the Finder, Terminal, or third-party applications. Each method has its own advantages and can be chosen based on your preferences and comfort level with the command line or graphical interfaces.
