C Program To Delete A File

C Program To Delete A File

The remove() function is used in C/C++ to delete a file. It is part of the standard I/O library and is declared in the <stdio.h> header file. The function returns 0 if the file is deleted successfully. However, if there is an issue with deleting the file, it returns a non-zero value.

Syntax of remove()

remove("filename");

Parameters

This function will take a string as a parameter, which can represent the name of the file to be deleted.

Return Value

The function will return 0 if the file is deleted successfully. Otherwise, it will give a non-zero value.

Examples of remove()

C program will illustrate the use of the remove() function.

// C program that demonstrates
// the use of remove() function
#include <stdio.h>
 
int main()
{
    if (remove("abc.txt") == 0)
        printf("Deleted successfully");
    else
        printf("Unable to delete the file");
 
    return 0;
}

Output

If file deleted successfully
Deleted successfully
            OR
If file not deleted successfully
Unable to delete the file

Example 2:

// C program that can destroyitself
//after it is compiled and executed
//using remove() function.
#include <stdio.h>
#include <stdlib.h>
 
int main(int c, char* argv[])
{
    printf("By the time you will compile me I will be "
           "destroyed \n");
 
    // array of pointers to command line arguments
    remove(argv[0]);
 
    // Note: argv[0] will contain the executable file i.e.
    // 'a.out'
 
    return 0;
}

Output

By the time you will compile me I will be destroyed

Explanation

In a Linux environment, the remove() function in a C program could potentially delete the program’s executable file (a.out). However, caution should be exercised as deleting the running program’s executable file may lead to unexpected behavior. It’s advisable to use file manipulation functions responsibly and implement checks to prevent accidental deletions.

Note: After the output shown above, the a.out file will be removed.

FAQ- C Program To Delete A File