DELETE Keyword

DELETE string-expression

Deletes the specified file from the filesystem.

• string-expression must evaluate to a filename or path.
• Paths are case-insensitive.
• Relative paths are resolved against the current directory (see CHDIR).
• . and .. are not supported in paths.

Note

This is a destructive operation (no undo).

If the file does not exist, or cannot be removed (for example because it is currently open),

a runtime error is raised (catchable with ON ERROR).

DELETE removes files only. To remove a directory, use RMDIR.

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Example: simple delete

DELETE "old_config.txt"

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Example: defensive delete (only if it’s a file)

IF FILETYPE$("backup.dat") = "FILE" THEN
    DELETE "backup.dat"
ELSE
    PRINT "Not a file, skipping."
ENDIF

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Notes

• Ensure any open handles to the file are closed first with CLOSE.
• Wildcards are not supported; delete files one at a time.
• Deleting a non-existent file raises an error.

See also:
OPENIN · OPENOUT · OPENUP · CLOSE · RMDIR · CHDIR · FILETYPE$