Dear GNU Coreutils Team, I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to propose a feature request regarding the 'rm' command in GNU Coreutils. Specifically, I would like to suggest the removal of the '-f' short option, while retaining the '--force' long option.
The rationale behind this proposal stems from the observation that the '-f' short option has led to numerous accidental deletions due to its ease of use and associated muscle memory. By removing the short option and encouraging the use of the longer '--force' option, we can mitigate such unintended consequences and promote safer usage of the 'rm' command. I believe that requiring users to type the full long option '--force' each time they intend to forcefully remove files or directories would serve as an effective safeguard against inadvertent deletions. The additional effort involved in typing the longer option will create a deliberate pause, allowing users to consciously confirm their intent before proceeding with potentially irreversible actions. By implementing this change, we can prevent accidental data loss and promote a culture of cautious file management practices. The modification aligns with the principles of user-friendly design and prioritizes the safety and integrity of user data. I kindly request the GNU Coreutils Team to consider this proposal for the 'rm' command. I understand that any changes to a widely used utility like Coreutils require careful consideration and testing. I am available to provide further insights, conduct additional testing, or assist in any way necessary to support the implementation of this feature. Thank you for your attention to this matter, and I look forward to your response. Your efforts in maintaining and improving the GNU Coreutils project are greatly appreciated. Sincerely, Owen Chia aptx...@gmail.org
