Is it ok to remove the dev folder from production? [Magento 2.3.4]

[simonsmithWOS]

Hi

I'm looking to reduce the number of files in my M2 installation. My host keeps throwing it offline due to too many 'inodes' files. I know there is a lot but I'm going through and cleaning up anything I can find. There is little info about the dev folder, but one comment mentioned that it should be removed when in production. 

I do not require it for testing etc, though I will download a copy.

Any other files and folders that can be removed please let me know.

Your help is much appreciated!

regards, Simon

Magento 2.3.4 / Apache

[Bhanu Periwal · Accepted solution]

Hi @simonsmithWOS 

Account to Magento Dev folder/directory contains various tools for developers such as Magento Test Framework (MTF). If you are going to remove it may create issues with live server.

So you should not remove this folder.

Problem Solved? Please click on 'Kudos' & Accept as Solution!

[alferdtysofd8f]

No, you cannot remove the Dev folder. The folder contains many developer tools. if you remove the folder then you cannot retrieve and whole files will be corrupted which tends to install once again.

[simonsmithWOS]

Thank you for your reply. Very helpful.

[simonsmithWOS]

Thank you for your quick reply. Very helpful. i was hoping I could store offline and upload if needed. I will not need to use MTF but if removing the folder may cause issues I will keep it.

Thanks again!