Essential CVS

Removing Files from the Repository

The cvs remove command is used to mark a file as removed in the repository. The file isn’t actually removed from the repository; it simply is stored in a special directory called Attic, so that its earlier revisions can be recalled. The file is no longer sent to sandboxes, and it is removed from existing sandboxes at the next cvs update, which displays the message cvs server: filename is no longer in the repository.

A removal must be committed before it affects the repository. If you notice that you accidentally removed a file you need (before you run cvs commit), you can use cvs add to undo the removal and then use cvs update to retrieve the removed file. This process leaves no record in the repository. Similarly, if a file has been added but not committed, cvs remove undoes the addition and leaves no record in the repository.

If someone else modifies a removed file before the removal is committed, the commit will fail and report a conflict. Resolve the conflict by unremoving the file with cvs add, checking the changes with cvs update or cvs diff, and removing the file again if desired. I strongly recommend speaking with the person who modified the file before you resolve such a conflict, lest you remove a file that should be retained.

To use cvs remove on a file, the file must not exist in the sandbox or you must call the cvs remove command with -f. Usually, I delete the file from the sandbox before running cvs remove.

The syntax for cvs remove ...