How do I remove hidden backup files?

Question

I have files ending in ~ in my home directory, and I want to delete them. How do I do that? How do I prevent this backup functionality?

Answer 1

If you also have unwanted backup files in subfolders, it gets a bit more difficult:

find . -type f -name '*~' -delete

Answer 2

You can simply run rm *~ if you're sure there is no other file that you need which ends in ~

If it is gedit that is creating the backup files, you can open gedit and select Edit->Preferences->Editor and uncheck the option "Create a backup copy of files before saving"

And for nano, look in /etc/nanorc for:

## Backup files to filename~.
set backup  

and change that to

## Backup files to filename~.
# set backup

Answer 3

The hidden files are in place to keep user program setup and other program information.

I strongly suggest you to not delete those files.

If you a sure to want to delete them, then open the menu Places->Home Folder (press CTRL+H if you don't see hidden files) and then select and press the Delete keyboard key. If you don't want move them into trash press Shift+Delete keyboard keys

From terminal you can delete hidden files ( don't do it ) with: rm -fr /home/youruser/.*