How to Delete a File on GitHub: A Step-by-Step Guide
Deleting a file on GitHub is a straightforward process, but it’s important to follow the correct steps to ensure that you don’t unintentionally delete important files or repositories. Whether you’ve made a mistake or no longer need a file, this guide will walk you through the process of deleting a file on GitHub.
Step 1: Access the Repository
First, you need to access the repository where the file you want to delete is located. You can do this by navigating to the GitHub website and clicking on the repository’s name. Once you’re in the repository, click on the “Files” tab to view the list of files.
Step 2: Select the File
Next, find the file you want to delete from the list of files. Click on the file name to open it. If you want to delete the file from a specific branch, make sure you are on the correct branch before proceeding.
Step 3: Open the File for Editing
After selecting the file, click on the “Edit” button. This will open the file in a code editor where you can make changes. However, since you want to delete the file, there’s no need to make any changes. Simply click on the “Delete” button at the top of the editor.
Step 4: Confirm the Deletion
A confirmation modal will appear, asking you to confirm the deletion. Double-check that you have selected the correct file and branch before clicking “Delete file.”
Step 5: Commit and Push the Changes
After confirming the deletion, you will be prompted to commit the changes. Enter a commit message that describes the deletion, such as “Deleted unnecessary file.” Once you’ve entered the commit message, click “Commit and Push.”
Step 6: Confirm the Push
A second confirmation modal will appear, asking you to confirm the push. Click “Confirm and Push” to delete the file from your repository.
Step 7: Verify the Deletion
To ensure that the file has been successfully deleted, navigate back to the “Files” tab and check if the file is no longer listed. If the file is still there, double-check that you followed all the steps correctly.
Conclusion
Deleting a file on GitHub is a simple process that can be completed in just a few steps. By following this guide, you can easily remove unnecessary files from your repository without any complications. Always double-check your selections and commit messages before deleting files to avoid making mistakes.
