Plain rm does not delete directories. The flag -r makes it recursive, the same as cp -r: it deletes the directory and everything under it, at all levels.

learner@tidepool:~/shop$ rm -r archive/2025

Look before you delete

rm -r does not ask, and there is no trash. Use this order:

1. Run tree or ls on the same path.
2. Read the output. Is this what you want to delete?
3. Run rm -r on that path. Read the line two times before you push Enter.

One space changes the line

A space splits a path into two arguments:

-f: no errors for missing items

rm -f shows no error when an item does not exist. You will see rm -rf in instructions on the internet. It deletes a full tree and shows no errors. Use it only when you are sure of the path.