What does rf in rm -rf stand for?

Question

What does rf in rm -rf in Unix stand for?

More generally, I have a hard time remembering Unix commands and options because I don't understand what they stand for. Is there a resource that explain the meaning of these shorthands?

Answer 1

In rm,

• -r stands for recursive
• -f stands for force

Doc :

man rm 

said :

    -f, --force            ignore nonexistent files and arguments, never prompt       -r, -R, --recursive            remove directories and their contents recursively 

Answer 2

rm means remove

r means recursive, which you have to use when removing an entire folder f means force removal

combined, rm -rf someDirectory means force the recursive removal of someDirectory