BRIEF OVERVIEW:

DBFS (Databricks File System) is a distributed file system that provides scalable and reliable data storage for big data workloads. In Databricks, you can delete a folder in DBFS using the Databricks CLI or by running commands directly from notebooks.

Using the Databricks CLI:

1. Install the Databricks CLI on your local machine if you haven’t already done so. You can find installation instructions here.
2. Login to your Databricks workspace using the following command:
   databricks configure --token
   This will prompt you to enter your workspace URL and personal access token.
3. To delete a folder, use the following command:
   databricks fs rmr dbfs:/path/to/folder
   Replace “/path/to/folder” with the actual path of the folder you want to delete.
4. You will be prompted for confirmation before deleting. Enter “y” or “yes” to confirm deletion.
5. The folder and all its contents will be permanently deleted from DBFS.

Running Commands from Notebooks:

6. Create a new notebook or open an existing one in your Databricks workspace.
7. In a cell, run the following command:
   %fs rm -r /path/to/folder
   Replace “/path/to/folder” with the actual path of the folder you want to delete.
8. Run the cell to execute the command. The folder and its contents will be deleted from DBFS.

FAQs:

Q: Can I recover a deleted folder in DBFS?

A: No, once a folder is deleted from DBFS, it cannot be recovered. Make sure to double-check before deleting any important data.

Q: Are there any restrictions on deleting folders in DBFS?

A: Yes, you need appropriate permissions to delete a folder in DBFS. Only users with write access to the parent directory can delete a subdirectory or its contents.

BOTTOM LINE:

Deleting a folder in DBFS can be done using either the Databricks CLI or by running commands directly from notebooks. Be cautious while deleting as it cannot be undone and ensure that you have proper permissions for deletion.