How do I clear only a few specific objects from the workspace?

172
votes

I would like to remove some data from the workspace. I know the "Clear All" button will remove all data. However, I would like to remove just certain data.

For example, I have these data frames in the data section:

data
data_1
data_2
data_3

I would like to remove data_1, data_2 and data_3, while keeping data.

I tried data_1 <- data_2 <- data_3 <- NULL, which does remove the data (I think), but still keeps it in the workspace area, so it is not fully what I would like to do.

11
r

11 Answers

260
votes

You'll find the answer by typing ?rm

rm(data_1, data_2, data_3)
82
votes

A useful way to remove a whole set of named-alike objects:

rm(list = ls()[grep("^tmp", ls())])

thereby removing all objects whose name begins with the string "tmp".

Edit: Following Gsee's comment, making use of the pattern argument:

rm(list = ls(pattern = "^tmp"))

Edit: Answering Rafael comment, one way to retain only a subset of objects is to name the data you want to retain with a specific pattern. For example if you wanted to remove all objects whose name do not start with paper you would issue the following command:

rm(list = grep("^paper", ls(), value = TRUE, invert = TRUE))
15
votes

Following command will do

rm(list=ls(all=TRUE))
8
votes

Use the following command

remove(list=c("data_1", "data_2", "data_3"))
7
votes

You can use the apropos function which is used to find the objects using partial name.

rm(list = apropos("data_"))
6
votes

  1. In RStudio, ensure the Environment tab is in Grid (not List) mode.

  2. Tick the object(s) you want to remove from the environment.

  3. Click the broom icon.

4
votes

If you just want to remove one of a group of variables, then you can create a list and keep just the variable you need. The rm function can be used to remove all the variables apart from "data". Here is the script:

0->data
1->data_1
2->data_2
3->data_3
#check variables in workspace
ls()
rm(list=setdiff(ls(), "data"))
#check remaining variables in workspace after deletion
ls()

#note: if you just use rm(list) then R will attempt to remove the "list" variable. 
list=setdiff(ls(), "data")
rm(list)
ls()
3
votes
paste0("data_",seq(1,3,1)) 
# makes multiple data.frame names with sequential number
rm(list=paste0("data_",seq(1,3,1))
# above code removes data_1~data_3
3
votes

If you're using RStudio, please consider never using the rm(list = ls()) approach!* Instead, you should build your workflow around frequently employing the Ctrl+Shift+F10 shortcut to restart your R session. This is the fastest way to both nuke the current set of user-defined variables AND to clear loaded packages, devices, etc. The reproducibility of your work will increase markedly by adopting this habit.

See this excellent thread on Rstudio community for (h/t @kierisi) for a more thorough discussion (the main gist is captured by what I've stated already).

I must admit my own first few years of R coding featured script after script starting with the rm "trick" -- I'm writing this answer as advice to anyone else who may be starting out their R careers.

*of course there are legitimate uses for this -- much like attach -- but beginning users will be much better served (IMO) crossing that bridge at a later date.

1
votes

To clear all data:

click on Misc>Remove all objects.

Your good to go.

To clear the console:

click on edit>Clear console.

No need for any code.

0
votes

You can also use tidyverse

# to remove specific objects(s)
rm(list = ls() %>% str_subset("xxx")) 
# or to keep specific object(s)
rm(list = setdiff(ls(), ls() %>% str_subset("xxx")))