uv / Python

uv venv --clear Deletes Project Directory: Dangerous --clear Flag Removes Parent Folder

fix uv venv clear deleting wrong files / recover files deleted by uv venv --clear Includes evidence for uv troubleshooting demand.

Source-backed Last updated May 15, 2026 1 source Needs local verification

Category: Python
Error signature: uv venv . --clear deletes the entire project directory instead of just the virtual environment
Quick fix: Compare the failing environment with a known working setup, then change one configuration value at a time.
Updated: May 15, 2026
Verification status: Source-backed
Evidence: 1 public source URL

Before you change production

This page includes public source URLs in the imported troubleshooting record. Compare those references with your version and environment before applying changes.

Reproduce the smallest failing action and save non-secret logs before changing configuration.
Check versions for uv, related SDKs, package managers, CI runners, and hosting providers.
Change one setting or dependency at a time, then rerun the same failing command or request.
Avoid destructive commands, credential rotation, billing changes, or security relaxations without a rollback plan.

What this error means

uv venv . --clear deletes the entire project directory instead of just the virtual environment is a uv failure pattern reported for developers trying to fix uv venv clear deleting wrong files / recover files deleted by uv venv --clear. Based on the imported evidence, treat this as a tool-specific troubleshooting page rather than a generic API error.

Why this happens

Reported 2026-05-13: user ran 'uv venv . --clear' which deleted the entire project directory. No warning or confirmation prompt before destructive action. Affects uv's growing user base as the default Python package manager.

Common causes

Running 'uv venv . --clear' in a project root silently deletes the entire project folder. This is a data-loss bug that affects any developer who accidentally uses '.' as the venv path with --clear. The command is destructive with no confirmation prompt.
Reported 2026-05-13: user ran 'uv venv . --clear' which deleted the entire project directory. No warning or confirmation prompt before destructive action. Affects uv's growing user base as the default Python package manager.

Quick fixes

Confirm the exact error signature matches uv venv . --clear deletes the entire project directory instead of just the virtual environment.
Check the uv account, local tool state, and provider configuration involved in the failing workflow.
Compare the failing environment with a known working setup, then change one configuration value at a time.

Platform/tool-specific checks

Verify the command, editor, extension, or API client that produced the error.
Compare local settings with CI, deployment, or editor-level settings when the error appears in only one environment.
Avoid deleting credentials, local model data, or project settings until the failing scope is clear.

Step-by-step troubleshooting

Capture the exact error message and the command, editor action, or request that triggered it.
Check whether the failure is account/auth, quota/rate, model/provider, local runtime, or deployment configuration.
Review the source evidence below and compare it with your environment.
Apply one change at a time and rerun the smallest failing action.
Keep the working fix documented for the team or deployment environment.

How to prevent it

Keep provider/tool configuration documented.
Record non-secret diagnostics such as tool version, provider name, model name, and command path.
Add a lightweight check before CI or production workflows depend on the tool.

Diagnostic flow for this page

Match uv venv . --clear deletes the entire project directory instead of just the virtual environment exactly before applying the quick fix.
Compare the failing environment with uv versions, account scope, provider settings, and deployment context.
Check the listed common causes in order, starting with the cause that best matches your logs.
Use the evidence status below to decide whether to confirm against public sources or official documentation.
Apply one reversible change, rerun the smallest failing action, and keep rollback notes.

FAQ

What does uv venv . --clear deletes the entire project directory instead of just the virtual environment mean in uv?

uv venv . --clear deletes the entire project directory instead of just the virtual environment indicates the workflow described by "uv venv --clear Deletes Project Directory: Dangerous --clear Flag Removes Parent Folder" failed in a Python context. Start by confirming the exact signature and the component that emitted it.

What should I check first for uv venv . --clear deletes the entire project directory instead of just the virtual environment?

Check whether this cause matches your environment: Running 'uv venv . --clear' in a project root silently deletes the entire project folder. This is a data-loss bug that affects any developer who accidentally uses '.' as the venv path with --clear. The command is destructive with no confirmation prompt.

Is the uv venv . --clear deletes the entire project directory instead of just the virtual environment guidance source-backed?

The "uv venv --clear Deletes Project Directory: Dangerous --clear Flag Removes Parent Folder" page is labeled source-backed. It has 1 public source URL from github.com, so use that evidence status when deciding how much additional verification you need.

When should I avoid the quick fix for uv venv . --clear deletes the entire project directory instead of just the virtual environment?

For "uv venv --clear Deletes Project Directory: Dangerous --clear Flag Removes Parent Folder", avoid applying "Compare the failing environment with a known working setup, then change one configuration value at a time." when the error text differs, the affected version or provider is different, or the change would touch credentials, billing, DNS, production deploy settings, or irreversible data.

What should I collect before debugging uv venv . --clear deletes the entire project directory instead of just the virtual environment?

For "uv venv --clear Deletes Project Directory: Dangerous --clear Flag Removes Parent Folder", collect the failing uv command or request, non-secret configuration, versions, timestamps, request IDs when available, and the smallest reproduction that still triggers the signature.