delete_file

Delete a file or directory from the workspace. This tool provides a safe alternative to rm commands and works across all platforms.

Parameters

• path (required): Relative path to the file or directory to delete

Description

This tool safely deletes files and directories with user confirmation. For directories, it validates all contained files and shows statistics before deletion.

Safety Features

• Only deletes files/directories within the workspace
• Requires user confirmation before deletion
• Prevents deletion of write-protected files
• Validates all files against .kilocodeignore rules
• For directories: scans recursively and shows statistics (file count, directory count, total size) before deletion
• Blocks directory deletion if any contained file is protected or ignored

Usage

Delete a single file

<delete_file>
<path>temp/old_file.txt</path>
</delete_file>

Delete a directory

<delete_file>
<path>old_project/</path>
</delete_file>

When deleting a directory, the tool:

1. Scans the directory recursively
2. Validates all files can be deleted
3. Shows summary with file count, subdirectory count, and total size
4. Requires user approval before deletion

Error Handling

The tool provides clear error messages for:

• File or directory does not exist
• File is write-protected
• File is blocked by .kilocodeignore rules
• Directory contains protected or ignored files
• Path is outside the workspace