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git rm

Removes files from the working directory and the staging area.

Syntax

git rm [<options>] <file>...

Options

--cached: Removes the file only from the staging area, keeping it in the working directory
-r: Allows recursive removal of directories
-f / --force: Forces removal of files that have local modifications
--dry-run: Shows what would be removed without actually removing

Example

git rm obsolete.txt
git rm --cached secret.env
git rm -r old-directory/

Tip

Use --cached to stop tracking a file without deleting it from disk.