File deletion

As a delete or remove (English: delete or erase ) is called the deletion of data generally in digital data processing and computer science. A distinction is made in the so-called logical and physical deletion, which Erstgenanntes usually is more thorough and faster The latter.

Delete file systems

In the many graphical files are first not deleted from the file system, but only in a special folder - for example, called " trash " - and moved only when "clear" this trash removed from the file system.

From a file system files and directories are deleted by their entry ( hard link) is removed from the assigned directory. Indicates no hard link, ie file name longer on the file, the allocated space is marked as free. The data themselves are still on the disk and are only overwritten by storing more data. Thereby, an erasing operation carried out much faster than if the data had to be completely overwritten. However, can be restored later as " deleted " data when they have not been overwritten.

The deletion of data so that it will no longer be on the disk also referred to as physical deletion or secure erase. The data are overwritten one or more times with other data. This process usually takes longer than the simple (logical) delete the file references, is preferred in applications with respect to data security or privacy issues, since it is the only way to remove data permanently from disk.

In Unix-like operating systems can be used in command del or erase the logical delete from the command line, the command rm and Windows systems.