How to delete a folder with files using Java

java

file-handling

directory-deletion

apache-commons-io

byAnton Shumikhin·Sep 10, 2024

The following code snippet immediately shows how to delete a directory and all its contents using Java's NIO package:

import java.nio.file.*;
import java.io.IOException;

public class DeleteFolder {
    public static void main(String[] args) {
        Path directory = Paths.get("/path/to/directory"); // replace with your directory path
        
        try {
            Files.walkFileTree(directory, new SimpleFileVisitor<Path>() {
                
                // Visiting file inside folder isn't just for sightseeing; it's deletion time!
                @Override
                public FileVisitResult visitFile(Path file, BasicFileAttributes attrs) throws IOException {
                    Files.delete(file); // When Java says 'Visit', it means 'Delete'.
                    return FileVisitResult.CONTINUE; // Onto the next one, no vacation for us!
                }

                // After visiting all tourist spots (files) inside, exterminate the folder itself.
                @Override
                public FileVisitResult postVisitDirectory(Path dir, IOException exc) throws IOException {
                    Files.delete(dir); // Deletion routine is a 'post-meal' workout for directories.
                    return FileVisitResult.CONTINUE; 
                }
            });
            System.out.println("Directory vacated. Ready for new residents.");
        } catch (IOException e) {
            e.printStackTrace(); // Whoops! Deletion failed, print the stack trace.
        }
    }
}

Caution: This process is final and throws IOException; double-check paths and permissions.

One-liner with Apache Commons

Apache Commons IO library offers a one-liner solution for deleting directories:

org.apache.commons.io.FileUtils.deleteDirectory(new File("/path/to/directory"));

Before deletion, confirm directory's existence as Juni from Spy Kids would.

Recursive deletion: Explained

Here's your walkthrough guide if you ever decide on custom recursive deletion:

Use file.listFiles() to understand the directory's contents and tours available.
Avoid symbolic links like teenagers avoid family reunions; you might delete beyond your intended location.
Once the contents are cleared, apply file.delete() to remove the directory.

File walking: Java NIO Style

When working with Files.walk():

Sort files in reverse order, like reading manga, so directories are deleted after their contents.
Use try-with-resources because even Java likes being neat and tidy.
For a deletion without tears, opt for Files.deleteIfExists().

Quite a quiet deletion

When you want a silent deletion, FileUtils.deleteQuietly() from Apache Commons IO is your buddy:

org.apache.commons.io.FileUtils.deleteQuietly(new File("/path/to/directory"));

Re-establishing the Vacant Land

Sometimes, you might need to recreate a directory post-deletion, say after a Spring cleaning:

File directory = new File("/path/to/directory");

if(directory.exists()) {
    FileUtils.deleteDirectory(directory); // Evict the old residents
    boolean isRecreated = directory.mkdir(); // Welcome the new ones
    System.out.println("Directory " + (isRecreated ? "" : "not ") + "recreated."); // Party or Pity
}