Emacs Lisp: Delete Current File

Xah Lee, 2012-11-28, …, 2013-03-15

Here's a emacs lisp command that deletes the current file.

(defun delete-current-file (ξno-backup-p)
  "Delete the file associated with the current buffer.

Also close the current buffer.  If no file is associated, just close buffer without prompt for save.

A backup file is created with filename appended “~‹date time stamp›~”. Existing file of the same name is overwritten.

when called with `universal-argument', don't create backup."
  (interactive "P")
  (let (fName)
    (when (buffer-file-name) ; buffer is associated with a file
      (setq fName (buffer-file-name))
      (save-buffer fName)
      (if ξno-backup-p
          (progn )
        (copy-file fName (concat fName "~" (format-time-string "%Y%m%d_%H%M%S") "~") t)
        )
      (delete-file fName)
      (message "「%s」 deleted." fName)
      )
    (kill-buffer (current-buffer))
    ) )

Here's some basic explanation:

• The (interactive "P") sets emacs to pass on “universal-argument” to your function. 〔☛ Emacs Lisp: Writing Command to Accept universal-argument〕
• (buffer-file-name) gets the file name. If the buffer isn't associated with a file, then nil.