How to Delete Files in Java

What does it mean to delete a file?
In Java, deleting a file means permanently removing it from your storage—just like deleting a file from Windows Explorer or the Recycle Bin.
We use the File class in Java to delete files easily.

Example: Delete a File Using File Class

Below is a simple Java program demonstrating how to delete a file named example.txt:

import java.io.File;

public class DeleteFile {
  public static void main(String[] args) {
    // Create a File object for the file to delete
    File file = new File("example.txt");

    // Attempt to delete the file
    if (file.delete()) {
      System.out.println("File deleted: " + file.getName());
    } else {
      System.out.println("File not found or could not be deleted.");
    }
  }
}

Explanation:

• The File object represents the file you want to delete.
• The delete() method attempts to delete the file and returns true if successful.
• If deletion fails (file doesn't exist or is locked), it returns false.

Final Tips

• Make sure the file exists and your program has permission to delete it.
• Use try-catch blocks for production-level code to handle possible security exceptions.