> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://42-guide.gitbook.io/42-guide/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://42-guide.gitbook.io/42-guide/piscine-life/shell00/clean.md).

# clean

**Objective:**

The goal of this exercise is to create a command that searches for and deletes specific types of files in the current directory and its subdirectories. The files to be deleted are those with names ending in `~` (backup files) or names that start and end with `#` (temporary files). This exercise will help you understand how to use the `find` command to locate and manage files.

**Instructions:**

1. **Create a File Named `clean`:**
   * In the `ex08/` directory, create a file named `clean`.
   * This file should contain a command that searches for and deletes files with names ending in `~` or names that start and end with `#`.
2. **Command Requirements:**
   * The command should search the current directory and all its subdirectories.
   * The command should delete the files it finds.
   * Only one command is allowed; you cannot use multiple commands separated by `;`, `&&`, or other operators.
3. **Example:**
   * If your directory contains the following files:

     ```
     file1.txt~
     #file2#
     dir1/file3.txt~
     dir1/#file4#
     ```
   * The command should delete all these files.

**Detailed Steps:**

1. **Create the `clean` File:**
   * Open your terminal and navigate to the `ex08/` directory.
   * Create a file named `clean`:

     ```bash
     touch clean
     ```
2. **Write the Command:**
   * Open the `clean` file in a text editor and add the following command:

     ```bash
     find . \( -name "*~" -o -name "#*#" \) -delete
     ```
   * This command does the following:
     * `find .`: Starts searching from the current directory (`.`).
     * `\( -name "*~" -o -name "#*#" \)`: Searches for files with names ending in `~` or names that start and end with `#`.
     * `-delete`: Deletes the files that match the search criteria.
3. **Make the File Executable:**
   * After saving the file, make it executable by running:

     ```bash
     chmod +x clean
     ```
4. **Test the Command:**
   * Run the `clean` command to see if it deletes the specified files:

     ```
     ./clean
     ```

**What You Will Learn:**

* **File Searching:** You will learn how to use the `find` command to search for files based on specific criteria.
* **File Deletion:** You will understand how to delete files using the `find` command.
* **Command Efficiency:** You will gain experience in writing efficient commands that perform multiple tasks in a single line.

**Useful Resources:**

* [**Find Command Documentation**](https://linux.die.net/man/1/find)**:** Official documentation for the `find` command.
* [**File Management in Linux**](https://www.digitalocean.com/community/tutorials/basic-linux-commands-for-file-management)**:** A tutorial on basic Linux commands for file management.
* [**Advanced Find Command Usage**](https://www.tecmint.com/35-practical-examples-of-linux-find-command/)**:** Practical examples of using the `find` command.

**Conclusion:**

This exercise helps you understand how to use the `find` command to search for and delete specific types of files. By completing this exercise, you will gain practical experience in file management and command-line efficiency, which are essential skills for any developer working in a Unix-like environment.


---

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