rmCostTrim

rmCostTrim is a command-line utility designed for Unix-like operating systems to efficiently remove files based on their size, while preserving the directory structure. It is particularly useful for cleaning up large directories by deleting files that fall below a specified size threshold, thereby saving disk space without manual intervention.

The tool is part of the GNU Core Utilities suite and is often used as an alternative to the standard `rm` command when dealing with large datasets. rmCostTrim operates recursively through directories, scanning each file to determine its size before deciding whether to delete it. This approach minimizes unnecessary disk I/O by avoiding the need to read file contents, making it faster than methods that rely on content analysis.

A key feature of rmCostTrim is its ability to exclude certain directories or file patterns, allowing users to protect specific files or folders from deletion. This is configured via command-line options, such as `--exclude` or `--exclude-from`, which accept regular expressions or file lists. The utility also supports dry-run mode (`--dry-run`), enabling users to preview deletions before executing them.

The primary use case for rmCostTrim is automated disk cleanup, particularly in environments where storage efficiency is critical, such as servers or development machines with large temporary directories. While it does not modify file metadata beyond deletion, its simplicity and speed make it a practical choice for routine maintenance tasks. Users should exercise caution when running rmCostTrim, as it permanently removes files without confirmation.