OS Methods

This tutorial will teach you how to use the OS module to handle files and directories. OS methods are used to create, delete, rename, and move files and directories.

Table of Methods

S.No	Method	Description	Example
1	os.getcwd()	Returns the current working directory.	`os.getcwd()os.getcwd()`
2	os.chdir(path)	Changes the current working directory to the specified path.	`os.chdir('C:\\Users\\User\\Desktop')os.chdir('C:\\Users\\User\\Desktop')`
3	os.listdir(path)	Returns a list of all files and directories in the specified path.	`os.listdir('C:\\Users\\User\\Desktop')os.listdir('C:\\Users\\User\\Desktop')`
4	os.mkdir(path)	Creates a directory in the specified path.	`os.mkdir('C:\\Users\\User\\Desktop\\New Folder')os.mkdir('C:\\Users\\User\\Desktop\\New Folder')`
5	os.makedirs(path)	Creates a directory in the specified path. If the parent directories do not exist, they will be created.	`os.makedirs('C:\\Users\\User\\Desktop\\New Folder\\New Folder')os.makedirs('C:\\Users\\User\\Desktop\\New Folder\\New Folder')`
6	os.remove(path)	Deletes the file at the specified path.	`os.remove('C:\\Users\\User\\Desktop\\New Folder\\New Folder\\file.txt')os.remove('C:\\Users\\User\\Desktop\\New Folder\\New Folder\\file.txt')`
7	os.rmdir(path)	Deletes the directory at the specified path.	`os.rmdir('C:\\Users\\User\\Desktop\\New Folder\\New Folder')os.rmdir('C:\\Users\\User\\Desktop\\New Folder\\New Folder')`
8	os.removedirs(path)	Deletes the directory at the specified path. If the parent directories are empty, they will be deleted.	`os.removedirs('C:\\Users\\User\\Desktop\\New Folder\\New Folder')os.removedirs('C:\\Users\\User\\Desktop\\New Folder\\New Folder')`
9	os.rename(src, dst)	Renames the file or directory at the specified source path to the specified destination path.	`os.rename('C:\\Users\\User\\Desktop\\New Folder\\New Folder\\file.txt', 'C:\\Users\\User\\Desktop\\New Folder\\New Folder\\new_file.txt')os.rename('C:\\Users\\User\\Desktop\\New Folder\\New Folder\\file.txt', 'C:\\Users\\User\\Desktop\\New Folder\\New Folder\\new_file.txt')`
10	os.replace(src, dst)	Renames the file or directory at the specified source path to the specified destination path. If the destination path already exists, it will be replaced.	`os.replace('C:\\Users\\User\\Desktop\\New Folder\\New Folder\\file.txt', 'C:\\Users\\User\\Desktop\\New Folder\\New Folder\\new_file.txt')os.replace('C:\\Users\\User\\Desktop\\New Folder\\New Folder\\file.txt', 'C:\\Users\\User\\Desktop\\New Folder\\New Folder\\new_file.txt')`
11	os.walk(path)	Returns a generator that yields a tuple of three values for each directory in the specified path. The first value is the path of the directory, the second value is a list of the names of the subdirectories in the directory, and the third value is a list of the names of the files in the directory.	`os.walk('C:\\Users\\User\\Desktop\\New Folder')os.walk('C:\\Users\\User\\Desktop\\New Folder')`
12	os.path.exists(path)	Returns True if the file or directory at the specified path exists, otherwise returns False.	`os.path.exists('C:\\Users\\User\\Desktop\\New Folder\\New Folder\\file.txt')os.path.exists('C:\\Users\\User\\Desktop\\New Folder\\New Folder\\file.txt')`
13	os.path.isfile(path)	Returns True if the file at the specified path exists, otherwise returns False.	`os.path.isfile('C:\\Users\\User\\Desktop\\New Folder\\New Folder\\file.txt')os.path.isfile('C:\\Users\\User\\Desktop\\New Folder\\New Folder\\file.txt')`
14	os.path.isdir(path)	Returns True if the directory at the specified path exists, otherwise returns False.	`os.path.isdir('C:\\Users\\User\\Desktop\\New Folder\\New Folder')os.path.isdir('C:\\Users\\User\\Desktop\\New Folder\\New Folder')`
15	os.path.getsize(path)	Returns the size of the file at the specified path in bytes.	`os.path.getsize('C:\\Users\\User\\Desktop\\New Folder\\New Folder\\file.txt')os.path.getsize('C:\\Users\\User\\Desktop\\New Folder\\New Folder\\file.txt')`
16	os.path.getmtime(path)	Returns the time of the last modification of the file at the specified path.	`os.path.getmtime('C:\\Users\\User\\Desktop\\New Folder\\New Folder\\file.txt')os.path.getmtime('C:\\Users\\User\\Desktop\\New Folder\\New Folder\\file.txt')`
17	os.path.getctime(path)	Returns the time of the creation of the file at the specified path.	`os.path.getctime('C:\\Users\\User\\Desktop\\New Folder\\New Folder\\file.txt')os.path.getctime('C:\\Users\\User\\Desktop\\New Folder\\New Folder\\file.txt')`
18	os.path.getatime(path)	Returns the time of the last access of the file at the specified path.	`os.path.getatime('C:\\Users\\User\\Desktop\\New Folder\\New Folder\\file.txt')os.path.getatime('C:\\Users\\User\\Desktop\\New Folder\\New Folder\\file.txt')`
19	os.path.abspath(path)	Returns the absolute path of the file or directory at the specified path.	`os.path.abspath('C:\\Users\\User\\Desktop\\New Folder\\New Folder\\file.txt')os.path.abspath('C:\\Users\\User\\Desktop\\New Folder\\New Folder\\file.txt')`
20	os.path.dirname(path)	Returns the directory name of the file or directory at the specified path.	`os.path.dirname('C:\\Users\\User\\Desktop\\New Folder\\New Folder\\file.txt')os.path.dirname('C:\\Users\\User\\Desktop\\New Folder\\New Folder\\file.txt')`
21	os.path.basename(path)	Returns the base name of the file or directory at the specified path.	`os.path.basename('C:\\Users\\User\\Desktop\\New Folder\\New Folder\\file.txt')os.path.basename('C:\\Users\\User\\Desktop\\New Folder\\New Folder\\file.txt')`
22	os.path.split(path)	Returns a tuple of two values. The first value is the directory name of the file or directory at the specified path, and the second value is the base name of the file or directory at the specified path.	`os.path.split('C:\\Users\\User\\Desktop\\New Folder\\New Folder\\file.txt')os.path.split('C:\\Users\\User\\Desktop\\New Folder\\New Folder\\file.txt')`
23	os.path.join(path1, path2)	Joins the specified paths.	`os.path.join('C:\\Users\\User\\Desktop\\New Folder', 'New Folder')os.path.join('C:\\Users\\User\\Desktop\\New Folder', 'New Folder')`
24	os.path.splitext(path)	Splits the specified path into a tuple of two values. The first value is the path without the extension, and the second value is the extension.	`os.path.splitext('C:\\Users\\User\\Desktop\\New Folder\\New Folder\\file.txt')os.path.splitext('C:\\Users\\User\\Desktop\\New Folder\\New Folder\\file.txt')`
25	os.path.normpath(path)	Normalizes the specified path.	`os.path.normpath('C:\\Users\\User\\Desktop\\New Folder\\New Folder\\file.txt')os.path.normpath('C:\\Users\\User\\Desktop\\New Folder\\New Folder\\file.txt')`
26	os.path.relpath(path)	Returns the relative path from the current working directory to the specified path.	`os.path.relpath('C:\\Users\\User\\Desktop\\New Folder\\New Folder\\file.txt')os.path.relpath('C:\\Users\\User\\Desktop\\New Folder\\New Folder\\file.txt')`
27	os.path.commonpath(paths)	Returns the common path of the specified paths.	`os.path.commonpath(['C:\\Users\\User\\Desktop\\New Folder\\New Folder\\file.txt', 'C:\\Users\\User\\Desktop\\New Folder\\New Folder\\new_file.txt'])os.path.commonpath(['C:\\Users\\User\\Desktop\\New Folder\\New Folder\\file.txt', 'C:\\Users\\User\\Desktop\\New Folder\\New Folder\\new_file.txt'])`
28	os.path.commonprefix(paths)	Returns the common prefix of the specified paths.	`os.path.commonprefix(['C:\\Users\\User\\Desktop\\New Folder\\New Folder\\file.txt', 'C:\\Users\\User\\Desktop\\New Folder\\New Folder\\new_file.txt'])os.path.commonprefix(['C:\\Users\\User\\Desktop\\New Folder\\New Folder\\file.txt', 'C:\\Users\\User\\Desktop\\New Folder\\New Folder\\new_file.txt'])`
29	os.path.expanduser(path)	Expands the specified path to the user’s home directory.	`os.path.expanduser('~\\Desktop\\New Folder\\New Folder\\file.txt')os.path.expanduser('~\\Desktop\\New Folder\\New Folder\\file.txt')`
30	os.path.expandvars(path)	Expands the specified path to the environment variables.	`os.path.expandvars('%USERPROFILE%\\Desktop\\New Folder\\New Folder\\file.txt')os.path.expandvars('%USERPROFILE%\\Desktop\\New Folder\\New Folder\\file.txt')`
31	os.path.samefile(path1, path2)	Returns True if the specified paths refer to the same file, otherwise returns False.	`os.path.samefile('C:\\Users\\User\\Desktop\\New Folder\\New Folder\\file.txt', 'C:\\Users\\User\\Desktop\\New Folder\\New Folder\\new_file.txt')os.path.samefile('C:\\Users\\User\\Desktop\\New Folder\\New Folder\\file.txt', 'C:\\Users\\User\\Desktop\\New Folder\\New Folder\\new_file.txt')`
32	os.path.sameopenfile(fp1, fp2)	Returns True if the specified file objects refer to the same file, otherwise returns False.	`os.path.sameopenfile(open('C:\\Users\\User\\Desktop\\New Folder\\New Folder\\file.txt'), open('C:\\Users\\User\\Desktop\\New Folder\\New Folder\\new_file.txt'))os.path.sameopenfile(open('C:\\Users\\User\\Desktop\\New Folder\\New Folder\\file.txt'), open('C:\\Users\\User\\Desktop\\New Folder\\New Folder\\new_file.txt'))`
33	os.path.samestat(stat1, stat2)	Returns True if the specified stat objects refer to the same file, otherwise returns False.	`os.path.samestat(os.stat('C:\\Users\\User\\Desktop\\New Folder\\New Folder\\file.txt'), os.stat('C:\\Users\\User\\Desktop\\New Folder\\New Folder\\new_file.txt'))os.path.samestat(os.stat('C:\\Users\\User\\Desktop\\New Folder\\New Folder\\file.txt'), os.stat('C:\\Users\\User\\Desktop\\New Folder\\New Folder\\new_file.txt'))`
34	os.path.isabs(path)	Returns True if the specified path is an absolute path, otherwise returns False.	`os.path.isabs('C:\\Users\\User\\Desktop\\New Folder\\New Folder\\file.txt')os.path.isabs('C:\\Users\\User\\Desktop\\New Folder\\New Folder\\file.txt')`
35	os.path.ismount(path)	Returns True if the specified path is a mount point, otherwise returns False.	`os.path.ismount('C:\\Users\\User\\Desktop\\New Folder\\New Folder\\file.txt')os.path.ismount('C:\\Users\\User\\Desktop\\New Folder\\New Folder\\file.txt')`

os.getcwd() Method

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

os_getcwd.py

import os
 
print(os.getcwd())

os_getcwd.py

import os
 
print(os.getcwd())

Output:

command

C:\Users\username>python os_getcwd.py
C:\Users\username

command

C:\Users\username>python os_getcwd.py
C:\Users\username

In the above example, we import the os module and use the os.getcwd() method to get the current working directory.

os.chdir() Method

The os.chdir() method changes the current working directory to the specified path.

os_chdir.py

import os
 
os.chdir('C:\\Users\\User\\Desktop')
print(os.getcwd())

os_chdir.py

import os
 
os.chdir('C:\\Users\\User\\Desktop')
print(os.getcwd())

Output:

command

C:\Users\username>python os_chdir.py
C:\Users\username\Desktop

command

C:\Users\username>python os_chdir.py
C:\Users\username\Desktop

In the above example, we import the os module and use the os.chdir() method to change the current working directory to the Desktop directory.

os.listdir() Method

The os.listdir() method returns a list of all files and directories in the specified path.

os_listdir.py

import os
 
print(os.listdir('C:\\Users\\User\\Desktop'))

os_listdir.py

import os
 
print(os.listdir('C:\\Users\\User\\Desktop'))

Output:

command

C:\Users\username>python os_listdir.py
['New Folder', 'file.txt']

command

C:\Users\username>python os_listdir.py
['New Folder', 'file.txt']

In the above example, we import the os module and use the os.listdir() method to get a list of all files and directories in the Desktop directory.

os.mkdir() Method

The os.mkdir() method creates a directory in the specified path.

os_mkdir.py

import os
 
os.mkdir('C:\\Users\\User\\Desktop\\New Folder')

os_mkdir.py

import os
 
os.mkdir('C:\\Users\\User\\Desktop\\New Folder')

Output:

command

C:\Users\username>python os_mkdir.py

command

C:\Users\username>python os_mkdir.py

In the above example, we import the os module and use the os.mkdir() method to create a directory named “New Folder” in the Desktop directory.

os.makedirs() Method

The os.makedirs() method creates a directory in the specified path. If the parent directories do not exist, they will be created.

os_makedirs.py

import os
 
os.makedirs('C:\\Users\\User\\Desktop\\New Folder\\New Folder')

os_makedirs.py

import os
 
os.makedirs('C:\\Users\\User\\Desktop\\New Folder\\New Folder')

Output:

command

C:\Users\username>python os_makedirs.py

command

C:\Users\username>python os_makedirs.py

In the above example, we import the os module and use the os.makedirs() method to create a directory named “New Folder” in the Desktop directory. Since the parent directory “New Folder” does not exist, it will be created.

os.remove() Method

The os.remove() method deletes the file at the specified path.

os_remove.py

import os
 
os.remove('C:\\Users\\User\\Desktop\\New Folder\\New Folder\\file.txt')

os_remove.py

import os
 
os.remove('C:\\Users\\User\\Desktop\\New Folder\\New Folder\\file.txt')

Output:

command

C:\Users\username>python os_remove.py

command

C:\Users\username>python os_remove.py

In the above example, we import the os module and use the os.remove() method to delete the file named “file.txt” in the “New Folder” directory.

os.rmdir() Method

The os.rmdir() method deletes the directory at the specified path.

os_rmdir.py

import os
 
os.rmdir('C:\\Users\\User\\Desktop\\New Folder\\New Folder')

os_rmdir.py

import os
 
os.rmdir('C:\\Users\\User\\Desktop\\New Folder\\New Folder')

Output:

command

C:\Users\username>python os_rmdir.py

command

C:\Users\username>python os_rmdir.py

In the above example, we import the os module and use the os.rmdir() method to delete the directory named “New Folder” in the Desktop directory.

os.removedirs() Method

The os.removedirs() method deletes the directory at the specified path. If the parent directories are empty, they will be deleted.

os_removedirs.py

import os
 
os.removedirs('C:\\Users\\User\\Desktop\\New Folder\\New Folder')

os_removedirs.py

import os
 
os.removedirs('C:\\Users\\User\\Desktop\\New Folder\\New Folder')

Output:

command

C:\Users\username>python os_removedirs.py

command

C:\Users\username>python os_removedirs.py

In the above example, we import the os module and use the os.removedirs() method to delete the directory named “New Folder” in the Desktop directory. Since the parent directory “New Folder” is empty, it will be deleted.

os.rename() Method

The os.rename() method renames the file or directory at the specified source path to the specified destination path.

os_rename.py

import os
 
os.rename('C:\\Users\\User\\Desktop\\New Folder\\New Folder\\file.txt', 'C:\\Users\\User\\Desktop\\New Folder\\New Folder\\new_file.txt')

os_rename.py

import os
 
os.rename('C:\\Users\\User\\Desktop\\New Folder\\New Folder\\file.txt', 'C:\\Users\\User\\Desktop\\New Folder\\New Folder\\new_file.txt')

Output:

command

C:\Users\username>python os_rename.py

command

C:\Users\username>python os_rename.py

In the above example, we import the os module and use the os.rename() method to rename the file named “file.txt” to “new_file.txt” in the “New Folder” directory.

os.replace() Method

The os.replace() method renames the file or directory at the specified source path to the specified destination path. If the destination path already exists, it will be replaced.

os_replace.py

import os
 
os.replace('C:\\Users\\User\\Desktop\\New Folder\\New Folder\\file.txt', 'C:\\Users\\User\\Desktop\\New Folder\\New Folder\\new_file.txt')

os_replace.py

import os
 
os.replace('C:\\Users\\User\\Desktop\\New Folder\\New Folder\\file.txt', 'C:\\Users\\User\\Desktop\\New Folder\\New Folder\\new_file.txt')

Output:

command

C:\Users\username>python os_replace.py

command

C:\Users\username>python os_replace.py

In the above example, we import the os module and use the os.replace() method to rename the file named “file.txt” to “new_file.txt” in the “New Folder” directory. Since the file “new_file.txt” already exists, it will be replaced.

os.walk() Method

The os.walk() method returns a generator that yields a tuple of three values for each directory in the specified path. The first value is the path of the directory, the second value is a list of the names of the subdirectories in the directory, and the third value is a list of the names of the files in the directory.

os_walk.py

import os
 
for root, dirs, files in os.walk('C:\\Users\\User\\Desktop\\New Folder'):
    print(root)
    print(dirs)
    print(files)

os_walk.py

import os
 
for root, dirs, files in os.walk('C:\\Users\\User\\Desktop\\New Folder'):
    print(root)
    print(dirs)
    print(files)

Output:

command

C:\Users\username>python os_walk.py
C:\Users\username\Desktop\New Folder
['New Folder']
['file.txt']
C:\Users\username\Desktop\New Folder\New Folder
[]
['new_file.txt']

command

C:\Users\username>python os_walk.py
C:\Users\username\Desktop\New Folder
['New Folder']
['file.txt']
C:\Users\username\Desktop\New Folder\New Folder
[]
['new_file.txt']

In the above example, we import the os module and use the os.walk() method to get a generator that yields a tuple of three values for each directory in the “New Folder” directory. The first value is the path of the directory, the second value is a list of the names of the subdirectories in the directory, and the third value is a list of the names of the files in the directory.

os.path.exists() Method

The os.path.exists() method returns True if the file or directory at the specified path exists, otherwise returns False.

os_path_exists.py

import os
 
print(os.path.exists('C:\\Users\\User\\Desktop\\New Folder\\New Folder\\file.txt'))
print(os.path.exists('C:\\Users\\User\\Desktop\\New Folder\\New Folder\\new_file.txt'))

os_path_exists.py

import os
 
print(os.path.exists('C:\\Users\\User\\Desktop\\New Folder\\New Folder\\file.txt'))
print(os.path.exists('C:\\Users\\User\\Desktop\\New Folder\\New Folder\\new_file.txt'))

Output:

command

C:\Users\username>python os_path_exists.py
True
False

command

C:\Users\username>python os_path_exists.py
True
False

In the above example, we import the os module and use the os.path.exists() method to check if the files “file.txt” and “new_file.txt” exist in the “New Folder” directory.

os.path.isfile() Method

The os.path.isfile() method returns True if the file at the specified path exists, otherwise returns False.

os_path_isfile.py

import os
 
print(os.path.isfile('C:\\Users\\User\\Desktop\\New Folder\\New Folder\\file.txt'))
print(os.path.isfile('C:\\Users\\User\\Desktop\\New Folder\\New Folder\\new_file.txt'))

os_path_isfile.py

import os
 
print(os.path.isfile('C:\\Users\\User\\Desktop\\New Folder\\New Folder\\file.txt'))
print(os.path.isfile('C:\\Users\\User\\Desktop\\New Folder\\New Folder\\new_file.txt'))

Output:

command

C:\Users\username>python os_path_isfile.py
True
False

command

C:\Users\username>python os_path_isfile.py
True
False

In the above example, we import the os module and use the os.path.isfile() method to check if the files “file.txt” and “new_file.txt” exist in the “New Folder” directory.

os.path.isdir() Method

The os.path.isdir() method returns True if the directory at the specified path exists, otherwise returns False.

os_path_isdir.py

import os
 
print(os.path.isdir('C:\\Users\\User\\Desktop\\New Folder\\New Folder'))
print(os.path.isdir('C:\\Users\\User\\Desktop\\New Folder\\New Folder\\New Folder'))

os_path_isdir.py

import os
 
print(os.path.isdir('C:\\Users\\User\\Desktop\\New Folder\\New Folder'))
print(os.path.isdir('C:\\Users\\User\\Desktop\\New Folder\\New Folder\\New Folder'))

Output:

command

C:\Users\username>python os_path_isdir.py
True
False

command

C:\Users\username>python os_path_isdir.py
True
False

In the above example, we import the os module and use the os.path.isdir() method to check if the directories “New Folder” and “New Folder” exist in the “New Folder” directory.

os.path.getsize() Method

The os.path.getsize() method returns the size of the file at the specified path in bytes.

os_path_getsize.py

import os
 
print(os.path.getsize('C:\\Users\\User\\Desktop\\New Folder\\New Folder\\file.txt'))
print(os.path.getsize('C:\\Users\\User\\Desktop\\New Folder\\New Folder\\new_file.txt'))

os_path_getsize.py

import os
 
print(os.path.getsize('C:\\Users\\User\\Desktop\\New Folder\\New Folder\\file.txt'))
print(os.path.getsize('C:\\Users\\User\\Desktop\\New Folder\\New Folder\\new_file.txt'))

Output:

command

C:\Users\username>python os_path_getsize.py
11
0

command

C:\Users\username>python os_path_getsize.py
11
0

In the above example, we import the os module and use the os.path.getsize() method to get the size of the files “file.txt” and “new_file.txt” in the “New Folder” directory.

os.path.getmtime() Method

The os.path.getmtime() method returns the time of the last modification of the file at the specified path.

os_path_getmtime.py

import os
 
print(os.path.getmtime('C:\\Users\\User\\Desktop\\New Folder\\New Folder\\file.txt'))
print(os.path.getmtime('C:\\Users\\User\\Desktop\\New Folder\\New Folder\\new_file.txt'))

os_path_getmtime.py

import os
 
print(os.path.getmtime('C:\\Users\\User\\Desktop\\New Folder\\New Folder\\file.txt'))
print(os.path.getmtime('C:\\Users\\User\\Desktop\\New Folder\\New Folder\\new_file.txt'))

Output:

command

C:\Users\username>python os_path_getmtime.py
1634178000.0
1634178000.0

command

C:\Users\username>python os_path_getmtime.py
1634178000.0
1634178000.0

In the above example, we import the os module and use the os.path.getmtime() method to get the time of the last modification of the files “file.txt” and “new_file.txt” in the “New Folder” directory.

os.path.getctime() Method

The os.path.getctime() method returns the time of the creation of the file at the specified path.

os_path_getctime.py

import os
 
print(os.path.getctime('C:\\Users\\User\\Desktop\\New Folder\\New Folder\\file.txt'))
print(os.path.getctime('C:\\Users\\User\\Desktop\\New Folder\\New Folder\\new_file.txt'))

os_path_getctime.py

import os
 
print(os.path.getctime('C:\\Users\\User\\Desktop\\New Folder\\New Folder\\file.txt'))
print(os.path.getctime('C:\\Users\\User\\Desktop\\New Folder\\New Folder\\new_file.txt'))

Output:

command

C:\Users\username>python os_path_getctime.py
1634178000.0
1634178000.0

command

C:\Users\username>python os_path_getctime.py
1634178000.0
1634178000.0

In the above example, we import the os module and use the os.path.getctime() method to get the time of the creation of the files “file.txt” and “new_file.txt” in the “New Folder” directory.

os.path.getatime() Method

The os.path.getatime() method returns the time of the last access of the file at the specified path.

os_path_getatime.py

import os
 
print(os.path.getatime('C:\\Users\\User\\Desktop\\New Folder\\New Folder\\file.txt'))
print(os.path.getatime('C:\\Users\\User\\Desktop\\New Folder\\New Folder\\new_file.txt'))

os_path_getatime.py

import os
 
print(os.path.getatime('C:\\Users\\User\\Desktop\\New Folder\\New Folder\\file.txt'))
print(os.path.getatime('C:\\Users\\User\\Desktop\\New Folder\\New Folder\\new_file.txt'))

Output:

command

C:\Users\username>python os_path_getatime.py
1634178000.0
1634178000.0

command

C:\Users\username>python os_path_getatime.py
1634178000.0
1634178000.0

In the above example, we import the os module and use the os.path.getatime() method to get the time of the last access of the files “file.txt” and “new_file.txt” in the “New Folder” directory.

os.path.abspath() Method

The os.path.abspath() method returns the absolute path of the file or directory at the specified path.

os_path_abspath.py

import os
 
print(os.path.abspath('C:\\Users\\User\\Desktop\\New Folder\\New Folder\\file.txt'))
print(os.path.abspath('C:\\Users\\User\\Desktop\\New Folder\\New Folder\\new_file.txt'))

os_path_abspath.py

import os
 
print(os.path.abspath('C:\\Users\\User\\Desktop\\New Folder\\New Folder\\file.txt'))
print(os.path.abspath('C:\\Users\\User\\Desktop\\New Folder\\New Folder\\new_file.txt'))

Output:

command

C:\Users\username>python os_path_abspath.py
C:\Users\username\Desktop\New Folder\New Folder\file.txt
C:\Users\username\Desktop\New Folder\New Folder\new_file.txt

command

C:\Users\username>python os_path_abspath.py
C:\Users\username\Desktop\New Folder\New Folder\file.txt
C:\Users\username\Desktop\New Folder\New Folder\new_file.txt

In the above example, we import the os module and use the os.path.abspath() method to get the absolute path of the files “file.txt” and “new_file.txt” in the “New Folder” directory.

os.path.dirname() Method

The os.path.dirname() method returns the directory name of the file or directory at the specified path.

os_path_dirname.py

import os
 
print(os.path.dirname('C:\\Users\\User\\Desktop\\New Folder\\New Folder\\file.txt'))
print(os.path.dirname('C:\\Users\\User\\Desktop\\New Folder\\New Folder\\new_file.txt'))

os_path_dirname.py

import os
 
print(os.path.dirname('C:\\Users\\User\\Desktop\\New Folder\\New Folder\\file.txt'))
print(os.path.dirname('C:\\Users\\User\\Desktop\\New Folder\\New Folder\\new_file.txt'))

Output:

command

C:\Users\username>python os_path_dirname.py
C:\Users\username\Desktop\New Folder\New Folder
C:\Users\username\Desktop\New Folder\New Folder

command

C:\Users\username>python os_path_dirname.py
C:\Users\username\Desktop\New Folder\New Folder
C:\Users\username\Desktop\New Folder\New Folder

In the above example, we import the os module and use the os.path.dirname() method to get the directory name of the files “file.txt” and “new_file.txt” in the “New Folder” directory.

os.path.basename() Method

The os.path.basename() method returns the base name of the file or directory at the specified path.

os_path_basename.py

import os
 
print(os.path.basename('C:\\Users\\User\\Desktop\\New Folder\\New Folder\\file.txt'))
print(os.path.basename('C:\\Users\\User\\Desktop\\New Folder\\New Folder\\new_file.txt'))

os_path_basename.py

import os
 
print(os.path.basename('C:\\Users\\User\\Desktop\\New Folder\\New Folder\\file.txt'))
print(os.path.basename('C:\\Users\\User\\Desktop\\New Folder\\New Folder\\new_file.txt'))

Output:

command

C:\Users\username>python os_path_basename.py
file.txt
new_file.txt

command

C:\Users\username>python os_path_basename.py
file.txt
new_file.txt

In the above example, we import the os module and use the os.path.basename() method to get the base name of the files “file.txt” and “new_file.txt” in the “New Folder” directory.

os.path.split() Method

The os.path.split() method returns a tuple of two values. The first value is the directory name of the file or directory at the specified path, and the second value is the base name of the file or directory at the specified path.

os_path_split.py

import os
 
print(os.path.split('C:\\Users\\User\\Desktop\\New Folder\\New Folder\\file.txt'))
print(os.path.split('C:\\Users\\User\\Desktop\\New Folder\\New Folder\\new_file.txt'))

os_path_split.py

import os
 
print(os.path.split('C:\\Users\\User\\Desktop\\New Folder\\New Folder\\file.txt'))
print(os.path.split('C:\\Users\\User\\Desktop\\New Folder\\New Folder\\new_file.txt'))

Output:

command

C:\Users\username>python os_path_split.py
('C:\\Users\\username\\Desktop\\New Folder\\New Folder', 'file.txt')
('C:\\Users\\username\\Desktop\\New Folder\\New Folder', 'new_file.txt')

command

C:\Users\username>python os_path_split.py
('C:\\Users\\username\\Desktop\\New Folder\\New Folder', 'file.txt')
('C:\\Users\\username\\Desktop\\New Folder\\New Folder', 'new_file.txt')

In the above example, we import the os module and use the os.path.split() method to get a tuple of two values. The first value is the directory name of the files “file.txt” and “new_file.txt” in the “New Folder” directory, and the second value is the base name of the files “file.txt” and “new_file.txt” in the “New Folder” directory.

os.path.join() Method

The os.path.join() method joins the specified paths.

os_path_join.py

import os
 
print(os.path.join('C:\\Users\\User\\Desktop\\New Folder', 'New Folder'))
print(os.path.join('C:\\Users\\User\\Desktop\\New Folder', 'New Folder', 'file.txt'))
print(os.path.join('C:\\Users\\User\\Desktop\\New Folder', 'New Folder', 'new_file.txt'))

os_path_join.py

import os
 
print(os.path.join('C:\\Users\\User\\Desktop\\New Folder', 'New Folder'))
print(os.path.join('C:\\Users\\User\\Desktop\\New Folder', 'New Folder', 'file.txt'))
print(os.path.join('C:\\Users\\User\\Desktop\\New Folder', 'New Folder', 'new_file.txt'))

Output:

command

C:\Users\username>python os_path_join.py
C:\Users\username\Desktop\New Folder\New Folder
C:\Users\username\Desktop\New Folder\New Folder\file.txt
C:\Users\username\Desktop\New Folder\New Folder\new_file.txt

command

C:\Users\username>python os_path_join.py
C:\Users\username\Desktop\New Folder\New Folder
C:\Users\username\Desktop\New Folder\New Folder\file.txt
C:\Users\username\Desktop\New Folder\New Folder\new_file.txt

In the above example, we import the os module and use the os.path.join() method to join the specified paths.

os.path.splitext() Method

The os.path.splitext() method splits the specified path into a tuple of two values. The first value is the path without the extension, and the second value is the extension.

os_path_splitext.py

import os
 
print(os.path.splitext('C:\\Users\\User\\Desktop\\New Folder\\New Folder\\file.txt'))
print(os.path.splitext('C:\\Users\\User\\Desktop\\New Folder\\New Folder\\new_file.txt'))

os_path_splitext.py

import os
 
print(os.path.splitext('C:\\Users\\User\\Desktop\\New Folder\\New Folder\\file.txt'))
print(os.path.splitext('C:\\Users\\User\\Desktop\\New Folder\\New Folder\\new_file.txt'))

Output:

command

C:\Users\username>python os_path_splitext.py
('C:\\Users\\username\\Desktop\\New Folder\\New Folder\\file', '.txt')
('C:\\Users\\username\\Desktop\\New Folder\\New Folder\\new_file', '.txt')

command

C:\Users\username>python os_path_splitext.py
('C:\\Users\\username\\Desktop\\New Folder\\New Folder\\file', '.txt')
('C:\\Users\\username\\Desktop\\New Folder\\New Folder\\new_file', '.txt')

In the above example, we import the os module and use the os.path.splitext() method to get a tuple of two values. The first value is the path without the extension of the files “file.txt” and “new_file.txt” in the “New Folder” directory, and the second value is the extension of the files “file.txt” and “new_file.txt” in the “New Folder” directory.

os.path.normpath() Method

The os.path.normpath() method normalizes the specified path.

os_path_normpath.py

import os
 
print(os.path.normpath('C:\\Users\\User\\Desktop\\New Folder\\New Folder\\file.txt'))
print(os.path.normpath('C:\\Users\\User\\Desktop\\New Folder\\New Folder\\new_file.txt'))

os_path_normpath.py

import os
 
print(os.path.normpath('C:\\Users\\User\\Desktop\\New Folder\\New Folder\\file.txt'))
print(os.path.normpath('C:\\Users\\User\\Desktop\\New Folder\\New Folder\\new_file.txt'))

Output:

command

C:\Users\username>python os_path_normpath.py
C:\Users\username\Desktop\New Folder\New Folder\file.txt
C:\Users\username\Desktop\New Folder\New Folder\new_file.txt

command

C:\Users\username>python os_path_normpath.py
C:\Users\username\Desktop\New Folder\New Folder\file.txt
C:\Users\username\Desktop\New Folder\New Folder\new_file.txt

In the above example, we import the os module and use the os.path.normpath() method to normalize the paths of the files “file.txt” and “new_file.txt” in the “New Folder” directory.

os.path.relpath() Method

The os.path.relpath() method returns the relative path from the current working directory to the specified path.

os_path_relpath.py

import os
 
print(os.path.relpath('C:\\Users\\User\\Desktop\\New Folder\\New Folder\\file.txt'))
print(os.path.relpath('C:\\Users\\User\\Desktop\\New Folder\\New Folder\\new_file.txt'))

os_path_relpath.py

import os
 
print(os.path.relpath('C:\\Users\\User\\Desktop\\New Folder\\New Folder\\file.txt'))
print(os.path.relpath('C:\\Users\\User\\Desktop\\New Folder\\New Folder\\new_file.txt'))

Output:

command

C:\Users\username>python os_path_relpath.py
..\
..\new_file.txt

command

C:\Users\username>python os_path_relpath.py
..\
..\new_file.txt

In the above example, we import the os module and use the os.path.relpath() method to get the relative path from the current working directory to the files “file.txt” and “new_file.txt” in the “New Folder” directory.

os.path.commonpath() Method

The os.path.commonpath() method returns the common path of the specified paths.

os_path_commonpath.py

import os
 
print(os.path.commonpath(['C:\\Users\\User\\Desktop\\New Folder\\New Folder\\file.txt', 'C:\\Users\\User\\Desktop\\New Folder\\New Folder\\new_file.txt']))
print(os.path.commonpath(['C:\\Users\\User\\Desktop\\New Folder\\New Folder\\file.txt', 'C:\\Users\\User\\Desktop\\New Folder\\New Folder\\new_file.txt', 'C:\\Users\\User\\Desktop\\New Folder\\New Folder\\new_file.txt']))

os_path_commonpath.py

import os
 
print(os.path.commonpath(['C:\\Users\\User\\Desktop\\New Folder\\New Folder\\file.txt', 'C:\\Users\\User\\Desktop\\New Folder\\New Folder\\new_file.txt']))
print(os.path.commonpath(['C:\\Users\\User\\Desktop\\New Folder\\New Folder\\file.txt', 'C:\\Users\\User\\Desktop\\New Folder\\New Folder\\new_file.txt', 'C:\\Users\\User\\Desktop\\New Folder\\New Folder\\new_file.txt']))

Output:

command

C:\Users\username>python os_path_commonpath.py
C:\Users\username\Desktop\New Folder\New Folder
C:\Users\username\Desktop\New Folder\New Folder

command

C:\Users\username>python os_path_commonpath.py
C:\Users\username\Desktop\New Folder\New Folder
C:\Users\username\Desktop\New Folder\New Folder

In the above example, we import the os module and use the os.path.commonpath() method to get the common path of the specified paths.

os.path.commonprefix() Method

The os.path.commonprefix() method returns the common prefix of the specified paths.

os_path_commonprefix.py

import os
 
print(os.path.commonprefix(['C:\\Users\\User\\Desktop\\New Folder\\New Folder\\file.txt', 'C:\\Users\\User\\Desktop\\New Folder\\New Folder\\new_file.txt']))
print(os.path.commonprefix(['C:\\Users\\User\\Desktop\\New Folder\\New Folder\\file.txt', 'C:\\Users\\User\\Desktop\\New Folder\\New Folder\\new_file.txt', 'C:\\Users\\User\\Desktop\\New Folder\\New Folder\\new_file.txt']))

os_path_commonprefix.py

import os
 
print(os.path.commonprefix(['C:\\Users\\User\\Desktop\\New Folder\\New Folder\\file.txt', 'C:\\Users\\User\\Desktop\\New Folder\\New Folder\\new_file.txt']))
print(os.path.commonprefix(['C:\\Users\\User\\Desktop\\New Folder\\New Folder\\file.txt', 'C:\\Users\\User\\Desktop\\New Folder\\New Folder\\new_file.txt', 'C:\\Users\\User\\Desktop\\New Folder\\New Folder\\new_file.txt']))

Output:

command

C:\Users\username>python os_path_commonprefix.py
C:\Users\username\Desktop\New Folder\New Folder\
C:\Users\username\Desktop\New Folder\New Folder\

command

C:\Users\username>python os_path_commonprefix.py
C:\Users\username\Desktop\New Folder\New Folder\
C:\Users\username\Desktop\New Folder\New Folder\

In the above example, we import the os module and use the os.path.commonprefix() method to get the common prefix of the specified paths.

os.path.expanduser() Method

The os.path.expanduser() method expands the specified path to the user’s home directory.

os_path_expanduser.py

import os
 
print(os.path.expanduser('~\\Desktop\\New Folder\\New Folder\\file.txt'))
print(os.path.expanduser('~\\Desktop\\New Folder\\New Folder\\new_file.txt'))

os_path_expanduser.py

import os
 
print(os.path.expanduser('~\\Desktop\\New Folder\\New Folder\\file.txt'))
print(os.path.expanduser('~\\Desktop\\New Folder\\New Folder\\new_file.txt'))

Output:

command

C:\Users\username>python os_path_expanduser.py
C:\Users\username\Desktop\New Folder\New Folder\file.txt
C:\Users\username\Desktop\New Folder\New Folder\new_file.txt

command

C:\Users\username>python os_path_expanduser.py
C:\Users\username\Desktop\New Folder\New Folder\file.txt
C:\Users\username\Desktop\New Folder\New Folder\new_file.txt

In the above example, we import the os module and use the os.path.expanduser() method to expand the paths of the files “file.txt” and “new_file.txt” in the “New Folder” directory to the user’s home directory.

os.path.expandvars() Method

The os.path.expandvars() method expands the specified path to the environment variables.

os_path_expandvars.py

import os
 
print(os.path.expandvars('%USERPROFILE%\\Desktop\\New Folder\\New Folder\\file.txt'))
print(os.path.expandvars('%USERPROFILE%\\Desktop\\New Folder\\New Folder\\new_file.txt'))

os_path_expandvars.py

import os
 
print(os.path.expandvars('%USERPROFILE%\\Desktop\\New Folder\\New Folder\\file.txt'))
print(os.path.expandvars('%USERPROFILE%\\Desktop\\New Folder\\New Folder\\new_file.txt'))

Output:

command

C:\Users\username>python os_path_expandvars.py
C:\Users\username\Desktop\New Folder\New Folder\file.txt
C:\Users\username\Desktop\New Folder\New Folder\new_file.txt

command

C:\Users\username>python os_path_expandvars.py
C:\Users\username\Desktop\New Folder\New Folder\file.txt
C:\Users\username\Desktop\New Folder\New Folder\new_file.txt

In the above example, we import the os module and use the os.path.expandvars() method to expand the paths of the files “file.txt” and “new_file.txt” in the “New Folder” directory to the environment variables.

os.path.samefile() Method

The os.path.samefile() method returns True if the specified paths refer to the same file, otherwise returns False.

os_path_samefile.py

import os
 
print(os.path.samefile('C:\\Users\\User\\Desktop\\New Folder\\New Folder\\file.txt', 'C:\\Users\\User\\Desktop\\New Folder\\New Folder\\new_file.txt'))
print(os.path.samefile('C:\\Users\\User\\Desktop\\New Folder\\New Folder\\file.txt', 'C:\\Users\\User\\Desktop\\New Folder\\New Folder\\file.txt'))

os_path_samefile.py

import os
 
print(os.path.samefile('C:\\Users\\User\\Desktop\\New Folder\\New Folder\\file.txt', 'C:\\Users\\User\\Desktop\\New Folder\\New Folder\\new_file.txt'))
print(os.path.samefile('C:\\Users\\User\\Desktop\\New Folder\\New Folder\\file.txt', 'C:\\Users\\User\\Desktop\\New Folder\\New Folder\\file.txt'))

Output:

command

C:\Users\username>python os_path_samefile.py
False
True

command

C:\Users\username>python os_path_samefile.py
False
True

In the above example, we import the os module and use the os.path.samefile() method to check if the paths of the files “file.txt” and “new_file.txt” in the “New Folder” directory refer to the same file.

os.path.sameopenfile() Method

The os.path.sameopenfile() method returns True if the specified file objects refer to the same file, otherwise returns False.

os_path_sameopenfile.py

import os
 
print(os.path.sameopenfile(open('C:\\Users\\User\\Desktop\\New Folder\\New Folder\\file.txt'), open('C:\\Users\\User\\Desktop\\New Folder\\New Folder\\new_file.txt')))
print(os.path.sameopenfile(open('C:\\Users\\User\\Desktop\\New Folder\\New Folder\\file.txt'), open('C:\\Users\\User\\Desktop\\New Folder\\New Folder\\file.txt')))

os_path_sameopenfile.py

import os
 
print(os.path.sameopenfile(open('C:\\Users\\User\\Desktop\\New Folder\\New Folder\\file.txt'), open('C:\\Users\\User\\Desktop\\New Folder\\New Folder\\new_file.txt')))
print(os.path.sameopenfile(open('C:\\Users\\User\\Desktop\\New Folder\\New Folder\\file.txt'), open('C:\\Users\\User\\Desktop\\New Folder\\New Folder\\file.txt')))

Output:

command

C:\Users\username>python os_path_sameopenfile.py
False
True

command

C:\Users\username>python os_path_sameopenfile.py
False
True

In the above example, we import the os module and use the os.path.sameopenfile() method to check if the file objects of the files “file.txt” and “new_file.txt” in the “New Folder” directory refer to the same file.

os.path.samestat() Method

The os.path.samestat() method returns True if the specified stat objects refer to the same file, otherwise returns False.

os_path_samestat.py

import os
 
print(os.path.samestat(os.stat('C:\\Users\\User\\Desktop\\New Folder\\New Folder\\file.txt'), os.stat('C:\\Users\\User\\Desktop\\New Folder\\New Folder\\new_file.txt')))
print(os.path.samestat(os.stat('C:\\Users\\User\\Desktop\\New Folder\\New Folder\\file.txt'), os.stat('C:\\Users\\User\\Desktop\\New Folder\\New Folder\\file.txt')))

os_path_samestat.py

import os
 
print(os.path.samestat(os.stat('C:\\Users\\User\\Desktop\\New Folder\\New Folder\\file.txt'), os.stat('C:\\Users\\User\\Desktop\\New Folder\\New Folder\\new_file.txt')))
print(os.path.samestat(os.stat('C:\\Users\\User\\Desktop\\New Folder\\New Folder\\file.txt'), os.stat('C:\\Users\\User\\Desktop\\New Folder\\New Folder\\file.txt')))

Output:

command

C:\Users\username>python os_path_samestat.py
False
True

command

C:\Users\username>python os_path_samestat.py
False
True

In the above example, we import the os module and use the os.path.samestat() method to check if the stat objects of the files “file.txt” and “new_file.txt” in the “New Folder” directory refer to the same file.

os.path.isabs() Method

The os.path.isabs() method returns True if the specified path is an absolute path, otherwise returns False.

os_path_isabs.py

import os
 
print(os.path.isabs('C:\\Users\\User\\Desktop\\New Folder\\New Folder\\file.txt'))
print(os.path.isabs('New Folder\\New Folder\\file.txt'))

os_path_isabs.py

import os
 
print(os.path.isabs('C:\\Users\\User\\Desktop\\New Folder\\New Folder\\file.txt'))
print(os.path.isabs('New Folder\\New Folder\\file.txt'))

Output:

command

C:\Users\username>python os_path_isabs.py
True
False

command

C:\Users\username>python os_path_isabs.py
True
False

In the above example, we import the os module and use the os.path.isabs() method to check if the paths of the files “file.txt” and “new_file.txt” in the “New Folder” directory are absolute paths.

os.path.ismount() Method

The os.path.ismount() method returns True if the specified path is a mount point, otherwise returns False.

os_path_ismount.py

import os
 
print(os.path.ismount('C:\\Users\\User\\Desktop\\New Folder\\New Folder\\file.txt'))
print(os.path.ismount('C:\\Users\\User\\Desktop\\New Folder\\New Folder'))
print(os.path.ismount('C:\\Users\\User\\Desktop\\New Folder'))
print(os.path.ismount('C:\\Users\\User\\Desktop'))
print(os.path.ismount('C:\\Users\\User'))
print(os.path.ismount('C:\\Users'))
print(os.path.ismount('C:\\'))
print(os.path.ismount('C:'))

os_path_ismount.py

import os
 
print(os.path.ismount('C:\\Users\\User\\Desktop\\New Folder\\New Folder\\file.txt'))
print(os.path.ismount('C:\\Users\\User\\Desktop\\New Folder\\New Folder'))
print(os.path.ismount('C:\\Users\\User\\Desktop\\New Folder'))
print(os.path.ismount('C:\\Users\\User\\Desktop'))
print(os.path.ismount('C:\\Users\\User'))
print(os.path.ismount('C:\\Users'))
print(os.path.ismount('C:\\'))
print(os.path.ismount('C:'))

Output:

command

C:\Users\username>python os_path_ismount.py
False
False
False
False
False
False
True
False

command

C:\Users\username>python os_path_ismount.py
False
False
False
False
False
False
True
False

In the above example, we import the os module and use the os.path.ismount() method to check if the paths of the files “file.txt” and “new_file.txt” in the “New Folder” directory are mount points.

os.path Module Constants

The os.path module provides the following constants.

S.No.	Constant	Description	Example
1	os.path.sep	Returns the path separator.	`os.path.sepos.path.sep`
2	os.path.altsep	Returns the alternate path separator.	`os.path.altsepos.path.altsep`
3	os.path.extsep	Returns the extension separator.	`os.path.extsepos.path.extsep`
4	os.path.pathsep	Returns the path separator used in PATH environment variables.	`os.path.pathsepos.path.pathsep`
5	os.path.defpath	Returns the default search path for executables.	`os.path.defpathos.path.defpath`
6	os.path.devnull	Returns the null device.	`os.path.devnullos.path.devnull`
7	os.path.supports_unicode_filenames	Returns True if the operating system supports Unicode filenames, otherwise returns False.	`os.path.supports_unicode_filenamesos.path.supports_unicode_filenames`
8	os.path.curdir	Returns the current directory.	`os.path.curdiros.path.curdir`
9	os.path.pardir	Returns the parent directory.	`os.path.pardiros.path.pardir`

os.path.sep Constant

The os.path.sep constant returns the path separator.

os_path_sep.py

import os
 
print(os.path.sep)

os_path_sep.py

import os
 
print(os.path.sep)

Output:

command

C:\Users\username>python os_path_sep.py
\

command

C:\Users\username>python os_path_sep.py
\

In the above example, we import the os module and use the os.path.sep constant to get the path separator.

os.path.altsep Constant

The os.path.altsep constant returns the alternate path separator.

os_path_altsep.py

import os
 
print(os.path.altsep)

os_path_altsep.py

import os
 
print(os.path.altsep)

Output:

command

C:\Users\username>python os_path_altsep.py
/

command

C:\Users\username>python os_path_altsep.py
/

In the above example, we import the os module and use the os.path.altsep constant to get the alternate path separator.

os.path.extsep Constant

The os.path.extsep constant returns the extension separator.

os_path_extsep.py

import os
 
print(os.path.extsep)

os_path_extsep.py

import os
 
print(os.path.extsep)

Output:

command

C:\Users\username>python os_path_extsep.py
.

command

C:\Users\username>python os_path_extsep.py
.

In the above example, we import the os module and use the os.path.extsep constant to get the extension separator.

os.path.pathsep Constant

The os.path.pathsep constant returns the path separator used in PATH environment variables.

os_path_pathsep.py

import os
 
print(os.path.pathsep)

os_path_pathsep.py

import os
 
print(os.path.pathsep)

Output:

command

C:\Users\username>python os_path_pathsep.py
;

command

C:\Users\username>python os_path_pathsep.py
;

In the above example, we import the os module and use the os.path.pathsep constant to get the path separator used in PATH environment variables.

os.path.defpath Constant

The os.path.defpath constant returns the default search path for executables.

os_path_defpath.py

import os
 
print(os.path.defpath)

os_path_defpath.py

import os
 
print(os.path.defpath)

Output:

command

C:\Users\username>python os_path_defpath.py
.;C:\bin

command

C:\Users\username>python os_path_defpath.py
.;C:\bin

In the above example, we import the os module and use the os.path.defpath constant to get the default search path for executables.

os.path.devnull Constant

The os.path.devnull constant returns the null device.

os_path_devnull.py

import os
 
print(os.path.devnull)

os_path_devnull.py

import os
 
print(os.path.devnull)

Output:

command

C:\Users\username>python os_path_devnull.py
nul

command

C:\Users\username>python os_path_devnull.py
nul

In the above example, we import the os module and use the os.path.devnull constant to get the null device.

os.path.supports_unicode_filenames Constant

The os.path.supports_unicode_filenames constant returns True if the operating system supports Unicode filenames, otherwise returns False.

os_path_supports_unicode_filenames.py

import os
 
print(os.path.supports_unicode_filenames)

os_path_supports_unicode_filenames.py

import os
 
print(os.path.supports_unicode_filenames)

Output:

command

C:\Users\username>python os_path_supports_unicode_filenames.py
True

command

C:\Users\username>python os_path_supports_unicode_filenames.py
True

In the above example, we import the os module and use the os.path.supports_unicode_filenames constant to check if the operating system supports Unicode filenames.

os.path.curdir Constant

The os.path.curdir constant returns the current directory.

os_path_curdir.py

import os
 
print(os.path.curdir)

os_path_curdir.py

import os
 
print(os.path.curdir)

Output:

command

C:\Users\username>python os_path_curdir.py
.

command

C:\Users\username>python os_path_curdir.py
.

In the above example, we import the os module and use the os.path.curdir constant to get the current directory.

os.path.pardir Constant

The os.path.pardir constant returns the parent directory.

os_path_pardir.py

import os
 
print(os.path.pardir)

os_path_pardir.py

import os
 
print(os.path.pardir)

Output:

command

C:\Users\username>python os_path_pardir.py
..

command

C:\Users\username>python os_path_pardir.py
..

In the above example, we import the os module and use the os.path.pardir constant to get the parent directory.

os Module Constants

The os module provides the following constants.

S.No.	Constant	Description	Example
1	os.name	Returns the name of the operating system.	`os.nameos.name`
2	os.curdir	Returns the current directory.	`os.curdiros.curdir`
3	os.pardir	Returns the parent directory.	`os.pardiros.pardir`
4	os.sep	Returns the path separator.	`os.sepos.sep`
5	os.extsep	Returns the extension separator.	`os.extsepos.extsep`
6	os.altsep	Returns the alternate path separator.	`os.altsepos.altsep`
7	os.pathsep	Returns the path separator used in PATH environment variables.	`os.pathsepos.pathsep`
8	os.linesep	Returns the line separator.	`os.linesepos.linesep`
9	os.defpath	Returns the default search path for executables.	`os.defpathos.defpath`
10	os.devnull	Returns the null device.	`os.devnullos.devnull`
11	os.environ	Returns a dictionary of the environment variables.	`os.environos.environ`
12	os.supports_bytes_environ	Returns True if the operating system supports environment variables as bytes, otherwise returns False.	`os.supports_bytes_environos.supports_bytes_environ`
13	os.supports_dir_fd	Returns True if the operating system supports the dir_fd parameter, otherwise returns False.	`os.supports_dir_fdos.supports_dir_fd`
14	os.supports_effective_ids	Returns True if the operating system supports the effective_ids parameter, otherwise returns False.	`os.supports_effective_idsos.supports_effective_ids`
15	os.supports_fd	Returns True if the operating system supports the fd parameter, otherwise returns False.	`os.supports_fdos.supports_fd`
16	os.supports_follow_symlinks	Returns True if the operating system supports the follow_symlinks parameter, otherwise returns False.	`os.supports_follow_symlinksos.supports_follow_symlinks`

os.name Constant

The os.name constant returns the name of the operating system.

os_name.py

import os
 
print(os.name)

os_name.py

import os
 
print(os.name)

Output:

command

C:\Users\username>python os_name.py
nt

command

C:\Users\username>python os_name.py
nt

In the above example, we import the os module and use the os.name constant to get the name of the operating system.

os.curdir Constant

The os.curdir constant returns the current directory.

os_curdir.py

import os
 
print(os.curdir)

os_curdir.py

import os
 
print(os.curdir)

Output:

command

C:\Users\username>python os_curdir.py
.

command

C:\Users\username>python os_curdir.py
.

In the above example, we import the os module and use the os.curdir constant to get the current directory.

os.pardir Constant

The os.pardir constant returns the parent directory.

os_pardir.py

import os
 
print(os.pardir)

os_pardir.py

import os
 
print(os.pardir)

Output:

command

C:\Users\username>python os_pardir.py
..

command

C:\Users\username>python os_pardir.py
..

In the above example, we import the os module and use the os.pardir constant to get the parent directory.

os.sep Constant

The os.sep constant returns the path separator.

os_sep.py

import os
 
print(os.sep)

os_sep.py

import os
 
print(os.sep)

Output:

command

C:\Users\username>python os_sep.py
\

command

C:\Users\username>python os_sep.py
\

In the above example, we import the os module and use the os.sep constant to get the path separator.

os.extsep Constant

The os.extsep constant returns the extension separator.

os_extsep.py

import os
 
print(os.extsep)

os_extsep.py

import os
 
print(os.extsep)

Output:

command

C:\Users\username>python os_extsep.py
.

command

C:\Users\username>python os_extsep.py
.

In the above example, we import the os module and use the os.extsep constant to get the extension separator.

os.altsep Constant

The os.altsep constant returns the alternate path separator.

os_altsep.py

import os
 
print(os.altsep)

os_altsep.py

import os
 
print(os.altsep)

Output:

command

C:\Users\username>python os_altsep.py
/

command

C:\Users\username>python os_altsep.py
/

In the above example, we import the os module and use the os.altsep constant to get the alternate path separator.

os.pathsep Constant

The os.pathsep constant returns the path separator used in PATH environment variables.

os_pathsep.py

import os
 
print(os.pathsep)

os_pathsep.py

import os
 
print(os.pathsep)

Output:

command

C:\Users\username>python os_pathsep.py
;

command

C:\Users\username>python os_pathsep.py
;

In the above example, we import the os module and use the os.pathsep constant to get the path separator used in PATH environment variables.

os.linesep Constant

The os.linesep constant returns the line separator.

os_linesep.py

import os
 
print(os.linesep)

os_linesep.py

import os
 
print(os.linesep)

Output:

command

C:\Users\username>python os_linesep.py

command

C:\Users\username>python os_linesep.py

In the above example, we import the os module and use the os.linesep constant to get the line separator.

os.defpath Constant

The os.defpath constant returns the default search path for executables.

os_defpath.py

import os
 
print(os.defpath)

os_defpath.py

import os
 
print(os.defpath)

Output:

command

C:\Users\username>python os_defpath.py
.;C:\bin

command

C:\Users\username>python os_defpath.py
.;C:\bin

In the above example, we import the os module and use the os.defpath constant to get the default search path for executables.

os.devnull Constant

The os.devnull constant returns the null device.

os_devnull.py

import os
 
print(os.devnull)

os_devnull.py

import os
 
print(os.devnull)

Output:

command

C:\Users\username>python os_devnull.py
nul

command

C:\Users\username>python os_devnull.py
nul

In the above example, we import the os module and use the os.devnull constant to get the null device.

os.environ Constant

The os.environ constant returns a dictionary of the environment variables.

os_environ.py

import os
 
print(os.environ)

os_environ.py

import os
 
print(os.environ)

Output:

command

C:\Users\username>python os_environ.py
environ({'ALLUSERSPROFILE': 'C:\\ProgramData', 'APPDATA': 'C:\\Users\\ravi\\AppData\\Roaming', 'CHOCOLATEYINSTALL': 'C:\\ProgramData\\chocolatey', 'CLASS_PATH': 'C:\\mysql-connector-j-8.0.33.jar', 'CLINK_DIR': 'C:\\Program Files (x86)\\clink', 'CLINK_DUMMY_CAPTURE_ENV': ' ', 'COLUMNS': '110', 'COMMONPROGRAMFILES': 'C:\\Program Files\\Common Files', 'COMMONPROGRAMFILES(X86)': 'C:\\Program Files (x86)\\Common Files', 'COMMONPROGRAMW6432': 'C:\\Program Files\\Common Files', 'COMPUTERNAME': 'RAVI', 'COMSPEC': 'C:\\Windows\\system32\\cmd.exe', 'DRIVERDATA': 'C:\\Windows\\System32\\Drivers\\DriverData', 'EFC_24904': '1', 'GOPATH': 'C:\\Users\\ravi\\go', 'HOME': 'C:\\Users\\ravi', 'HOMEDRIVE': 'C:', 'HOMEPATH': '\\Users\\ravi', 'INTELLIJ IDEA COMMUNITY EDITION': 'C:\\Program Files\\JetBrains\\IntelliJ IDEA Community Edition 2023.2.2\\bin;', 'LINES': '25', 'LOCALAPPDATA': 'C:\\Users\\ravi\\AppData\\Local', 'LOGONSERVER': '\\\\RAVI', 'NUMBER_OF_PROCESSORS': '8', 'ONEDRIVE': 'C:\\Users\\ravi\\OneDrive', 'ONEDRIVECONSUMER': 'C:\\Users\\ravi\\OneDrive'})

command

C:\Users\username>python os_environ.py
environ({'ALLUSERSPROFILE': 'C:\\ProgramData', 'APPDATA': 'C:\\Users\\ravi\\AppData\\Roaming', 'CHOCOLATEYINSTALL': 'C:\\ProgramData\\chocolatey', 'CLASS_PATH': 'C:\\mysql-connector-j-8.0.33.jar', 'CLINK_DIR': 'C:\\Program Files (x86)\\clink', 'CLINK_DUMMY_CAPTURE_ENV': ' ', 'COLUMNS': '110', 'COMMONPROGRAMFILES': 'C:\\Program Files\\Common Files', 'COMMONPROGRAMFILES(X86)': 'C:\\Program Files (x86)\\Common Files', 'COMMONPROGRAMW6432': 'C:\\Program Files\\Common Files', 'COMPUTERNAME': 'RAVI', 'COMSPEC': 'C:\\Windows\\system32\\cmd.exe', 'DRIVERDATA': 'C:\\Windows\\System32\\Drivers\\DriverData', 'EFC_24904': '1', 'GOPATH': 'C:\\Users\\ravi\\go', 'HOME': 'C:\\Users\\ravi', 'HOMEDRIVE': 'C:', 'HOMEPATH': '\\Users\\ravi', 'INTELLIJ IDEA COMMUNITY EDITION': 'C:\\Program Files\\JetBrains\\IntelliJ IDEA Community Edition 2023.2.2\\bin;', 'LINES': '25', 'LOCALAPPDATA': 'C:\\Users\\ravi\\AppData\\Local', 'LOGONSERVER': '\\\\RAVI', 'NUMBER_OF_PROCESSORS': '8', 'ONEDRIVE': 'C:\\Users\\ravi\\OneDrive', 'ONEDRIVECONSUMER': 'C:\\Users\\ravi\\OneDrive'})

In the above example, we import the os module and use the os.environ constant to get a dictionary of the environment variables.

os.supports_bytes_environ Constant

The os.supports_bytes_environ constant returns True if the operating system supports environment variables as bytes, otherwise returns False.

os_supports_bytes_environ.py

import os
 
print(os.supports_bytes_environ)

os_supports_bytes_environ.py

import os
 
print(os.supports_bytes_environ)

Output:

command

C:\Users\username>python os_supports_bytes_environ.py
True

command

C:\Users\username>python os_supports_bytes_environ.py
True

In the above example, we import the os module and use the os.supports_bytes_environ constant to check if the operating system supports environment variables as bytes.

os.supports_dir_fd Constant

The os.supports_dir_fd constant returns True if the operating system supports the dir_fd parameter, otherwise returns False.

os_supports_dir_fd.py

import os
 
print(os.supports_dir_fd)

os_supports_dir_fd.py

import os
 
print(os.supports_dir_fd)

Output:

command

C:\Users\username>python os_supports_dir_fd.py
True

command

C:\Users\username>python os_supports_dir_fd.py
True

In the above example, we import the os module and use the os.supports_dir_fd constant to check if the operating system supports the dir_fd parameter.

os.supports_effective_ids Constant

The os.supports_effective_ids constant returns True if the operating system supports the effective_ids parameter, otherwise returns False.

os_supports_effective_ids.py

import os
 
print(os.supports_effective_ids)

os_supports_effective_ids.py

import os
 
print(os.supports_effective_ids)

Output:

command

C:\Users\username>python os_supports_effective_ids.py
True

command

C:\Users\username>python os_supports_effective_ids.py
True

In the above example, we import the os module and use the os.supports_effective_ids constant to check if the operating system supports the effective_ids parameter.

os.supports_fd Constant

The os.supports_fd constant returns True if the operating system supports the fd parameter, otherwise returns False.

os_supports_fd.py

import os
 
print(os.supports_fd)

os_supports_fd.py

import os
 
print(os.supports_fd)

Output:

command

C:\Users\username>python os_supports_fd.py
True

command

C:\Users\username>python os_supports_fd.py
True

In the above example, we import the os module and use the os.supports_fd constant to check if the operating system supports the fd parameter.

os.supports_follow_symlinks Constant

The os.supports_follow_symlinks constant returns True if the operating system supports the follow_symlinks parameter, otherwise returns False.

os_supports_follow_symlinks.py

import os
 
print(os.supports_follow_symlinks)

os_supports_follow_symlinks.py

import os
 
print(os.supports_follow_symlinks)

Output:

command

C:\Users\username>python os_supports_follow_symlinks.py
True

command

C:\Users\username>python os_supports_follow_symlinks.py
True

In the above example, we import the os module and use the os.supports_follow_symlinks constant to check if the operating system supports the follow_symlinks parameter.

Conclusion

In this tutorial, we have learned about the os module in Python. We have also learned about the os.path module and its methods and constants with examples. Finally, we have learned about the os module and its constants with examples. Now you can use the os module and its methods and constants in your Python program to perform various operating system-related tasks. For more information, visit the official documentation of the os module. For more tutorials, visit Python Central Hub.

OS Methods

OS Methods

Table of Methods

os.getcwd() Method

os.chdir() Method

os.listdir() Method

os.mkdir() Method

os.makedirs() Method

os.remove() Method

os.rmdir() Method

os.removedirs() Method

os.rename() Method

os.replace() Method

os.walk() Method

os.path.exists() Method

os.path.isfile() Method

os.path.isdir() Method

os.path.getsize() Method

os.path.getmtime() Method

os.path.getctime() Method

os.path.getatime() Method

os.path.abspath() Method

os.path.dirname() Method

os.path.basename() Method

os.path.split() Method

os.path.join() Method

os.path.splitext() Method

os.path.normpath() Method

os.path.relpath() Method

os.path.commonpath() Method

os.path.commonprefix() Method

os.path.expanduser() Method

os.path.expandvars() Method

os.path.samefile() Method

os.path.sameopenfile() Method

os.path.samestat() Method

os.path.isabs() Method

os.path.ismount() Method

os.path Module Constants

os.path.sep Constant

os.path.altsep Constant

os.path.extsep Constant

os.path.pathsep Constant

os.path.defpath Constant

os.path.devnull Constant

os.path.supports_unicode_filenames Constant

os.path.curdir Constant

os.path.pardir Constant

os Module Constants

os.name Constant

os.curdir Constant

os.pardir Constant

os.sep Constant

os.extsep Constant

os.altsep Constant

os.pathsep Constant

os.linesep Constant

os.defpath Constant

os.devnull Constant

os.environ Constant

os.supports_bytes_environ Constant

os.supports_dir_fd Constant

os.supports_effective_ids Constant

os.supports_fd Constant

os.supports_follow_symlinks Constant

Conclusion

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