# File Deleter > REQUIRED for all file and directory deletions. This system replaces rm/rmdir commands. Always use this skill instead of bash rm commands when removing any files or directories. Moves items to recoverable .deleted/ trash folder with preserved structure. Use when this capability is needed. - Skill: `tomevault-io/file-deleter` (Agent Skill, multi-file: 2 files) - Install (CLI): `npx skillmds@latest add tomevault-io/file-deleter` - Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/tomevault-io/file-deleter/raw - Safety review: pending (external: skill-scanner PASS, skillspector PASS) - Works with: Claude Code, Claude.ai, OpenAI Codex - Category: Coding & Dev Tools - Author: tomevault-io (https://skillmd.com/u/tomevault-io) - Updated: 2026-09-17 - Page: https://skillmd.com/skills/tomevault-io/file-deleter --- # File Deleter Skill - MANDATORY DELETION METHOD **CRITICAL**: This skill MUST be used for ALL file and directory deletion operations. The `rm` command is blocked on this system. ## System Policy - **ALL deletions** must use this skill's `delete-file.js` script - Direct `rm`, `rm -rf`, `rmdir` commands are BLOCKED - This applies to cleanup, refactoring, removing old files, or any deletion operation - No exceptions - even for temporary files or build artifacts ## When to Use Use this skill ANY time you need to: - Remove any file (code, config, markdown, etc.) - Delete any directory (empty or with contents) - Clean up temporary files - Remove build artifacts - Delete old/unused code - Perform any operation that would normally use `rm` or `rmdir` ## How It Works The skill uses a Node.js script that: 1. Finds the project root (where `.git` and `.claude` directories exist) 2. Moves specified files/directories to `.deleted/` while preserving their path structure 3. Creates a `.gitignore` in `.deleted/` that ignores all contents 4. Handles both absolute and relative paths 5. Recursively moves directories with all contents 6. Overwrites existing files/directories in `.deleted/` ## Script Location The `delete-file.js` script is located in the scripts subdirectory of this skill. When Claude Code loads this skill, the base directory path is provided, allowing the script to be located at `/scripts/delete-file.js`. ## Usage **Standard deletion syntax** - use this for all deletions: ```bash node /scripts/delete-file.js [path2] [path3] ... ``` **Examples:** ```bash # Delete single file node /scripts/delete-file.js src/old-component.tsx # Delete multiple files node /scripts/delete-file.js file1.txt file2.js dir/file3.md # Delete entire directory node /scripts/delete-file.js old-features/ # Delete multiple directories and files node /scripts/delete-file.js temp/ build/ old-file.txt ``` ## Behavior - **Non-existent files**: Skipped with warning, script continues - **Overwriting**: Existing files/directories in `.deleted/` are overwritten - **Directory structure**: Preserved within `.deleted/` - Example: `src/components/Button.tsx` → `.deleted/src/components/Button.tsx` - **Git ignore**: All contents of `.deleted/` are automatically git-ignored ## Recovery Files remain recoverable in `.deleted/` and can be manually restored if needed. ## Error Handling If you attempt to use `rm` commands, you will receive an error message directing you to use this skill instead. Always default to using this script for any deletion operation. --- > Converted and distributed by [TomeVault](https://tomevault.io/claim/nitromike502) — claim your Tome and manage your conversions.