What's the difference between Xcode's move to trash and remove reference?

xcode filesystems xcodeproj
itenyh picture itenyh · May 24, 2012 · Viewed 11.5k times · Source

When I want to delete file in Xcode. Between "move to trash" and "remove reference" which one should I choose?

I always choose move to trash before cause I thought it will definitely delete the real file. But not sure if that's right. So what is the difference between them?

Answer

DrummerB picture DrummerB · May 24, 2012

Xcode stores references to the files that make up your project in the project file, namely, the projectName.xcodeproj file. Theoretically your source and resource files that make up your project could be all over your harddisk; of course that's not a good practice.
So, when you add an existing file to your project, Xcode asks whether you want to copy it into your project's folder, which is usually what you should do. So, when you go to delete a file Xcode will ask you whether you only want to remove the reference from your project (and keep the file wherever it lives on your drive) or if you want to remove the file as well.

Basically if you check "Copy to project" when adding the file, you should chose "Move to Trash" when deleting, otherwise pick "Remove Reference". This latter option will leave the file in place and just remove the reference to it.

Related questions

How can I retrieve local files with NSURL?

I'm here with a question that probably has a really simple answer that I am overlooking... how can I retrieve local files with NSURL? I have this here: override func viewDidLoad() { super.viewDidLoad() var urlpath = NSBundle.mainBundle().pathForResource("bpreg", ofType: "…

Read More
How should I organize my Xcode project files?

I'm trying to wrap my head around Xcode's file organization - or lack there of. I can do all I want in project and it looks great with all the "fake" folders and structure. I go look at the file …

Read More
How do I get an NSArray of filenames of all files in a given directory in my app?

What I want to do seems simple enough: Get an array of filenames in a given "directory" on my app. But the more I play around with NSFileManager and NSBundle I find myself getting more lost...I just want to …

Read More