How do I remove a git submodule?

Question

The title says it all: how do I remove a git submodule?

And by the way, is there a reason I can't simply git submodule rm whatever?

Answer 1

You must remove the entry in .gitmodules and remove the directory of the module from the history:

git rm --cached path/to/submodule

If you'll write on git's mailing list probably someone will do a shell script for you.

Answer 2

(via this page)

To remove a submodule you need to:

1. Delete the relevant line from the .gitmodules file.
2. Delete the relevant section from .git/config.
3. Run git rm --cached path_to_submodule (no trailing slash).
4. Commit and delete the now untracked submodule files.