Does this work with node_modules and build folders?

Yes, common build artifacts like node_modules, dist, and target folders are classified as AUTO_ALLOW, permitting efficient permanent deletion while still maintaining an audit log.

How do I audit what was deleted by the AI?

Every operation is recorded in a local audit log, typically located at ~/.local/state/safe-rm/audit.log, which records the timestamp, file path, and whether it was deleted, trashed, or blocked.

Is trash-cli required to use this skill?

Yes, the skill requires trash-cli for its safety features; it includes built-in checks to ensure the utility is installed before executing any sensitive deletion logic.

What happens if I try to delete a .git folder?

Safe RM uses a BLOCK classification that explicitly refuses to delete the .git directory or critical system paths, returning an error and logging the blocked attempt.

Where do my deleted files go?

Files classified as AUTO_TRASH (like untracked source code) are moved to your system's trash using trash-cli, making them fully recoverable via the trash-list and trash-restore commands.

Safe RM: Protected File Deletion

Name: Safe RM: Protected File Deletion
Author: kayaman

bykayaman

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Developer Tools

Safeguards Git repositories from accidental data loss by intelligently classifying and trashing untracked source files during cleanup operations.

Safe RM is a specialized safety layer for Git-based development environments designed to prevent the catastrophic loss of unstaged work. By implementing a three-tier classification system—Allow, Trash, and Block—the skill ensures that build artifacts are cleaned efficiently while untracked source code is moved to a recoverable trash location instead of being permanently deleted. It integrates seamlessly with AI coding agents to provide an automated audit trail of all file operations, offering peace of mind during bulk cleanups and a clear path for recovery using standard CLI tools.

Key Features

01Intelligent file classification (ALLOW/TRASH/BLOCK) based on Git status and file type.

021 GitHub stars

03Automated cleanup patterns for common build artifacts like node_modules and dist folders.

04Seamless integration with trash-cli for recoverable deletion of untracked source code.

05Hardened protection against accidental deletion of .git and critical system directories.

06Comprehensive audit logging of all deletion operations in a local state directory.

Use Cases

01Automating safe file management tasks within AI-driven coding workflows in Cursor, VSCode, or Claude Code.

02Performing bulk repository cleanups when switching branches or resetting development environments.

03Safely cleaning up build artifacts and dependencies without risking untracked work-in-progress files.

What are Skills?·How to Install

Install with 🐟 Skill.Fish

npx skillfish add kayaman/safe-rm safe-rm

For use in Claude.ai and ChatGPT

Download Skill