supabase delete storage folder

2 min read 03-10-2024

Deleting Storage Folders in Supabase: A Comprehensive Guide

Supabase provides a robust storage solution for your applications. While creating and managing files is straightforward, deleting entire folders can be a bit trickier. This article will guide you through the process of deleting a storage folder in Supabase, along with helpful tips and considerations.

The Problem:

You've created a storage folder in Supabase and now need to remove it. However, you discover that Supabase doesn't offer a direct "delete folder" function.

Original Code Example (Illustrative):

// This code snippet attempts to delete a folder, but won't work directly.
const storage = supabase.storage.from("my-bucket");
const folderPath = "my-folder";

// This line will only delete the folder if it's empty.
await storage.remove([folderPath]);

The Solution:

Deleting a Supabase storage folder requires a slightly different approach. Since Supabase doesn't provide a specific "delete folder" function, you need to delete all files within the folder first, then delete the empty folder itself.

Here's how to do it:

List all files and folders within the target folder:

const { data: files, error } = await storage.list(folderPath);

if (error) {
  console.error('Error listing files:', error);
} else {
  // Process the list of files and folders
  console.log(files); 
}

Iterate through each file and delete it:

for (const file of files) {
  const fileName = file.name; 
  // Construct the full file path
  const filePath = `${folderPath}/${fileName}`;

  try {
    await storage.remove([filePath]);
    console.log(`Deleted file: ${filePath}`);
  } catch (error) {
    console.error(`Error deleting file ${filePath}:`, error);
  }
}

Finally, delete the empty folder:

try {
  await storage.remove([folderPath]);
  console.log(`Deleted folder: ${folderPath}`);
} catch (error) {
  console.error(`Error deleting folder ${folderPath}:`, error);
}

Important Considerations:

Error Handling: It's crucial to implement robust error handling throughout the process. For example, handle cases where files cannot be deleted or the folder doesn't exist.
Performance: If your folder contains a large number of files, this operation could take time. Consider using a more efficient method like batch deletion if possible.
User Experience: If you are using this logic in a user-facing application, provide feedback to the user, such as progress indicators, to keep them informed.

Further Reading and Resources:

Supabase Storage Documentation: Dive into Supabase storage capabilities and learn more about its functionalities.
Supabase Javascript Client Library: Explore the comprehensive API for interacting with Supabase from your Javascript applications.

Remember: Always back up your data before attempting any major deletion operation to avoid data loss. By following this guide, you can effectively delete storage folders in Supabase and maintain a clean, organized storage environment.

supabase delete storage folder

Deleting Storage Folders in Supabase: A Comprehensive Guide

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