KITFORMA · EDITORIAL GUIDE
Why is disk space not freed after deleting a large Linux log file?
KitForma editorial guide. A process can keep an open file descriptor after the pathname is unlinked. The storage remains in use until the final reference is closed.
Step-by-step guidance
A process can keep an open file descriptor after the pathname is unlinked. The storage remains in use until the final reference is closed.
Identify the process holding the deleted file with appropriate system inspection, then use the application’s supported log-reopen or graceful restart procedure. Test rotation in a safe environment. Do not kill unrelated processes or remove more files without checking the actual cause. Directory size tools and filesystem free-space reports measure different things, so compare them carefully. Prevent recurrence with coordinated rotation rather than repeatedly deleting active files.
Sources and verification
Sources checked:
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This starter guide was prepared by KitForma with AI assistance. It is not presented as a real member question or an independent user review. Check the sources and the result with your own file; report corrections in the discussion.