Files & Directories in Python

Learn how to create, check, rename, move and delete files and directories using Python.

What are Files and Directories?

A file stores data such as text, images, documents or other information.

A directory, also called a folder, is used to organize files and other directories.

Example 👀🌍

Imagine a training institute project.

Files & Directories Diagram

The os Module

Python provides the os module for interacting with the operating system.

import os

The os module provides functions for working with files, directories and paths.

Get Current Working Directory

The os.getcwd() function returns the current working directory.

import os

current_directory = os.getcwd()

print(current_directory)

This helps us understand where the Python program is currently working.

List Files and Directories

The os.listdir() function returns the names of files and directories.

import os

items = os.listdir()

print(items)

The result contains the items found in the specified directory.

List a Specific Directory

import os

items = os.listdir("students")

print(items)

This lists the contents of the students directory.

Check Whether a Path Exists

The os.path.exists() function checks whether a file or directory exists.

import os

if os.path.exists("students.txt"):

    print("File or directory exists")

else:

    print("Path does not exist")

Check Whether a Path is a File

Use os.path.isfile() to check whether a path points to a file.

import os

if os.path.isfile("students.txt"):

    print("This is a file")

else:

    print("This is not a file")

Check Whether a Path is a Directory

Use os.path.isdir() to check whether a path points to a directory.

import os

if os.path.isdir("students"):

    print("This is a directory")

else:

    print("This is not a directory")

Create a Directory

The os.mkdir() function creates a new directory.

import os

os.mkdir("students")

A new directory named students is created.

Create Nested Directories

The os.makedirs() function can create multiple directories in a path.

import os

os.makedirs("training/python/beginners")

The required directory structure is created.

Rename a File or Directory

The os.rename() function can rename a file or directory.

import os

os.rename(
    "students.txt",
    "student_list.txt"
)

The original name is changed to the new name.

Delete a File

The os.remove() function deletes a file.

import os

os.remove("student_list.txt")

Delete an Empty Directory

The os.rmdir() function removes an empty directory.

import os

os.rmdir("students")

The directory must be empty before using os.rmdir().

The shutil Module

The shutil module provides higher-level operations for copying, moving and deleting files and directories.

import shutil

Copy a File

Use shutil.copy() to copy a file.

import shutil

shutil.copy(
    "students.txt",
    "students_backup.txt"
)

A copy of the file is created.

Copy a Directory

The shutil.copytree() function can copy a directory and its contents.

import shutil

shutil.copytree(
    "students",
    "students_backup"
)

The directory and its contents are copied.

Move a File or Directory

Use shutil.move() to move a file or directory to another location.

import shutil

shutil.move(
    "students.txt",
    "reports/students.txt"
)

The file is moved to the specified destination.

Using pathlib

Python also provides the pathlib module, which offers an object-oriented way to work with paths.

from pathlib import Path

path = Path("students.txt")

print(path.exists())

pathlib is useful for writing clear and readable file-system code.

Path Information

from pathlib import Path

path = Path("reports/students.txt")

print(path.name)
print(path.parent)
print(path.suffix)

These properties provide information about the path.

Creating a Directory with pathlib

from pathlib import Path

folder = Path("reports")

folder.mkdir(exist_ok=True)

The exist_ok=True option prevents an error when the directory already exists.

List Directory Contents with pathlib

from pathlib import Path

folder = Path("reports")

for item in folder.iterdir():

    print(item)

This loops through files and directories inside the selected folder.

Joining Paths

pathlib can be used to build paths without manually joining strings.

from pathlib import Path

folder = Path("reports")

file_path = folder / "students.txt"

print(file_path)

os.path vs pathlib

Practical Project Structure

myproject/
|
|-- students/
|   |
|   |-- student1.txt
|   |-- student2.txt
|
|-- reports/
|   |
|   |-- report1.txt
|
|-- main.py

Python can create, list, move, copy and remove these files and directories programmatically.

Common File and Directory Operations

Best Practices

• Use clear and meaningful file and directory names.
• Check whether a path exists before performing operations when appropriate.
• Be careful while deleting files and directories.
• Use pathlib when it makes path operations clearer.
• Handle possible operating-system errors.

Common Mistakes

• Using an incorrect path.
• Trying to delete a directory that is not empty using os.rmdir().
• Trying to open a file that does not exist.
• Accidentally deleting important files.
• Confusing a file path with a directory path.

Practice Programs

1. Display the current working directory.
2. List all files and folders in the current directory.
3. Create a directory named students.
4. Check whether a file exists.
5. Rename a file using Python.
6. Copy a file using shutil.
7. Move a file into another directory.
8. Create a directory using pathlib.