Remove unnecessary files with Czkawka

File Diet

© Lead Image © adimas, 123RF.com

© Lead Image © adimas, 123RF.com

Article from Issue 251/2021
Author(s):

Czkawka helps find and remove duplicate and obsolete files to free up valuable disk space.

Today's operating systems typically consist of well over 100,000 files, and more files are quickly added during daily work. Many of these added files are temporary files or logfiles. Over time, you might also accumulate duplicate files, configuration files for deleted programs, and the remnants of broken files. Resourceful programmers have developed tools to remove these unneeded files quickly and efficiently. One cleanup tool that is gaining attention with Linux users is Czkawka [1]. According to the project developers, Czkawka will help you discover and delete:

  • Duplicate Files: Finds duplicates based on file name, size, hash, and a hash of just first 1MB of a file
  • Empty Folders: Finds empty folders with the help of an advanced algorithm
  • Big Files: Finds the biggest files in given location
  • Empty Files: Looks for empty files across the drive
  • Temporary Files: Finds temporary files
  • Similar Images: Finds images that are not exactly the same (different resolution, watermarks)
  • Zeroed Files: Finds files that are filled with zeros (usually corrupted)
  • Same Music: Searches for music with the same artist, album, etc.
  • Invalid Symlinks – Shows symbolic links that point to nonexistent files/directories
  • Broken Files: Finds files with an invalid extension or that are corrupted

Czkawka, which gets its name from the Polish word for hiccup, is available in a GUI variant and as a command-line tool. The GUI variant is based on the GTK libraries.

[...]

Use Express-Checkout link below to read the full article (PDF).

Buy this article as PDF

Express-Checkout as PDF
Price $2.95
(incl. VAT)

Buy Linux Magazine

SINGLE ISSUES
 
SUBSCRIPTIONS
 
TABLET & SMARTPHONE APPS
Get it on Google Play

US / Canada

Get it on Google Play

UK / Australia

Related content

  • fdupes

    The command-line fdupes tool helps you find duplicate folders and directories.

  • FOSSPicks

    Nate explores some top FOSS tools, including the latest Gnome desktop, a slick 3D model viewer, LibreQuake, and a neat currency converter.

  • Mediapurge

    If you have a download folder full of photos and music, Mediapurge can help you sort files and even remove duplicates, but beware of its quirks.

  • FSlint

    FSlint detects the source of filesystem problems and remedies or mitigates them while cleaning up the hard drive.

  • Disk Cleaners

    You wouldn’t believe how much of the disk space on your system is wasted, filled with duplicate files, or cruft you don’t need.

comments powered by Disqus
Subscribe to our Linux Newsletters
Find Linux and Open Source Jobs
Subscribe to our ADMIN Newsletters

Support Our Work

Linux Magazine content is made possible with support from readers like you. Please consider contributing when you’ve found an article to be beneficial.

Learn More

News