rmlint

What rmlint is

rmlint is a free, GPLv3-licensed utility for finding duplicate files and other filesystem waste, then offering candidates for removal. It scans local filesystem paths, mounted volumes and file lists supplied through standard input. Beyond duplicate files and directories, it can identify nonstripped binaries, broken symbolic links, empty files and directories, and files with broken user or group IDs.

Duplicate detection can use several hashes or an exact byte-by-byte comparison. Optional basename or extension matching is also available. The documentation says rmlint can handle file sets containing millions of files. It provides multiple output options and can save a previous run so a later scan checks only new files. File previews and automatic selection are available, but there is no Recycle Bin or Trash feature. A Python graphical frontend, Shredder, ships alongside rmlint from version 2.4.0 onward. Shredder rechecks files before deletion; its documentation cautions that the interface remains in development and should be used at the user's risk. Linux is the main target, and the project says it runs and compiles under Linux, FreeBSD, Darwin and Solaris. Installation options are listed for Linux distributions and macOS. The project advises checking deletion candidates because duplicate-finding tools can produce false positives or have serious bugs.

Who it suits

rmlint suits Linux and macOS users who want to locate duplicate files and other forms of filesystem clutter for review. It can also fit users who prefer command-line workflows, multiple match methods or a graphical frontend, provided they check candidates before deletion.

Limits

The free plan is GPLv3-licensed software. There is no Recycle Bin or Trash feature; Shredder rechecks files before deletion, but its interface is still in development and should be used at the user's risk.

Getting started

1. Visit the rmlint project on GitHub.
2. Choose a listed installation option for Linux or macOS, or another supported system.
3. Run a scan on local paths, mounted volumes or a file list supplied through standard input.
4. Review previews and deletion candidates before removing files.
5. Use Shredder if you want the bundled Python graphical frontend, keeping its development warning in mind.

Verdict

Pick rmlint if you need a free filesystem scanner with several ways to find duplicates and other unwanted items. Look elsewhere if a built-in Trash or Recycle Bin is essential; review removal candidates carefully, especially when using Shredder.