destination path already exists and is not an empty directory

Question

I cloned a git repository but accidentally messed up. So I re-cloned and the message showed up:

destination path already exists and is not an empty directory

I've tried deleting folders in my mac with the name of the destination path but it did not work.

I'm very new to coding so all help would be appreciated.

Answer 1

Explanation

This is pretty vague but I'll do what I can to help.

First, while it may seem daunting at first, I suggest you learn how to do things from the command line (called terminal on OSX). This is a great way to make sure you're putting things where you really want to.

You should definitely google 'unix commands' to learn more, but here are a few important commands to help in this situation:

ls - list all files and directories (folders) in current directory

cd <input directory here without these brackets> - change directory, or change the folder you're looking in

mkdir <input directory name without brackets> - Makes a new directory (be careful, you will have to cd into the directory after you make it)

rm -r <input directory name without brackets> - Removes a directory and everything inside it

git clone <link to repo without brackets> - Clones the repository into the directory you are currently browsing.

Answer

So, on my computer, I would run the following commands to create a directory (folder) called projects within my documents folder and clone a repo there.

1. Open terminal
2. cd documents (Not case sensitive on mac)
3. mkdir projects
4. cd projects
5. git clone https://github.com/seanbecker15/wherecanifindit.git
6. cd wherecanifindit (if I want to go into the directory)

p.s. wherecanifindit is just the name of my git repository, not a command!

Answer 2

This error comes up when you try to clone a repository in a folder which still contains .git folder (Hidden folder).

If the earlier answers doesn't work then you can proceed with my answer. Hope it will solve your issue.

Open terminal & change the directory to the destination folder (where you want to clone).

Now type: ls -a

You may see a folder named .git.

You have to remove that folder by the following command: rm -rf .git

Now you are ready to clone your project.

Answer 3

For those comming here wishing to clone a repo in an existing folder that already contains files/folders, try this:

cd /
git init
git remote add origin <your-repo>
git pull
git checkout master -f

This example is for the root folder. Change "/" to point to your specific folder

Answer 4

Steps to get this error ;

1. Clone a repo (for eg take name as xyz)in a folder
2. Not try to clone again in the same folder . Even after deleting the folder manually this error will come since deleting folder doesn't delete git info .

Solution : rm -rf "name of repo folder which in out case is xyz" . So

rm -rf xyz