What is Python's OS Module

The OS module in Python provides functions that enable developers to interact with the operating system. This built-in module allows you to perform common file and directory operations like creating folders, deleting files, and navigating directories.

Importing the OS Module

Python's OS module comes pre-installed with Python, so no separate installation is required. Simply import it to access its functions ?

import os

Getting Current Working Directory

The current working directory is the folder where your Python script is located and executed from ?

import os

current_dir = os.getcwd()
print("Current working directory:", current_dir)

Current working directory: /home/user/projects

Note: Directory is another term for folder.

Creating a Directory

Use mkdir() to create a new directory ?

import os

# Create a directory in current location
os.mkdir("tutorial_folder")
print("Directory 'tutorial_folder' created successfully")

Directory 'tutorial_folder' created successfully

You can also specify a full path. If no location is specified, the directory will be created in the current working directory.

Deleting a Directory

Use rmdir() (remove directory) to delete an empty directory ?

import os

# Delete the directory we created
os.rmdir("tutorial_folder")
print("Directory deleted successfully")

Note: You cannot delete the current working directory (the folder containing your running Python script), and the directory must be empty.

Renaming a Directory

Use rename() to rename directories or files ?

import os

# Create and then rename a directory
os.mkdir("old_name")
os.rename("old_name", "new_name")
print("Directory renamed from 'old_name' to 'new_name'")

Basic File Operations

The OS module also provides basic file manipulation capabilities.

Creating and Writing to a File

import os

# Create and write to a file
file = os.popen("hello.txt", 'w')
file.write("Hello there! This is a TutorialsPoint article")
file.close()
print("File created and content written")

Note: You can also use os.rename() to rename files. Make sure to include the correct file extensions.

Complete Example

Here's a comprehensive example demonstrating various OS module functions ?

import os

# Get current working directory
print("Current directory:", os.getcwd())

# Create a directory
os.mkdir("demo_folder")
print("Created 'demo_folder'")

# Rename the directory
os.rename("demo_folder", "renamed_folder")
print("Renamed to 'renamed_folder'")

# Create a file
file = os.popen("demo.txt", 'w')
file.write("This is a demo file created using OS module")
file.close()
print("Created and wrote to 'demo.txt'")

# Clean up - remove directory (after removing file if needed)
os.remove("demo.txt")  # Remove file first
os.rmdir("renamed_folder")  # Then remove directory
print("Cleanup completed")

Conclusion

The OS module provides essential functions for interacting with the operating system, including directory and file operations. These basic functions form the foundation for more complex file system operations in Python development.