What does import os path do in Python?

Nancy 157 Published: 09/21/2024

What does import os path do in Python?

The import os and import path statements in Python are used to access the functions and variables provided by these modules.

Importing the "os" Module:

When you import the os module, you gain access to a wide range of operating system-related functionalities. The os module provides a way to use Python programs that can run on multiple platforms, including Windows, macOS, and Linux. Here are some key features of the os module:

Working Directory: You can change the working directory (i.e., the current directory) using os.chdir().

File Operations: The os module provides functions for performing file operations such as creating (os.mkdir()), renaming (os.rename()), and deleting (os.remove()) files. Environment Variables: You can access environment variables using os.environ. Process Execution: You can execute system-level commands (e.g., shell scripts) using os.system() or run subprocesses with subprocess.Popen.

Importing the "path" Module:

The path module is a part of the Python standard library and provides functionality for manipulating file paths. The path module is often used in conjunction with the os module. Some key features of the path module include:

File Path Manipulation: You can join or split file paths, remove directory separators, and more using functions like os.path.join() and os.path.split().

Path Operations: The path module provides functions for performing path-related operations such as expanding (~), simplifying (i.e., removing redundant directory separators), and checking if a path is absolute. Common Path Functions: The path module includes a range of useful path-related functions, such as os.path.exists() to check if a file exists, or os.path.isdir() to check if a directory exists.

When to Use Import os path:

In general, you'll want to use the import os statement when:

Working with Files and Directories: When your Python program needs to interact with files and directories on the system. Executing System-Level Commands: When your program requires executing system-level commands or shell scripts. Accessing Environment Variables: When you need to access environment variables that are set outside of your Python program.

On the other hand, you might use import path when:

Manipulating File Paths: When your program needs to manipulate file paths in some way (e.g., joining or splitting them). Checking Path Validity: When your program requires checking if a file or directory exists, or if a path is absolute.

In summary, the import os and import path statements provide a range of operating system-related functionalities that can be used in Python programs to interact with files, directories, environment variables, and more.

Import os python example

Here is an example of using the os module in Python to interact with the operating system and perform various tasks:

import os
Print current working directory

print("Current Working Directory:", os.getcwd())

Change directory

os.chdir("/path/to/new/directory")


print("New Current Working Directory:", os.getcwd())

List files and directories in a directory

print("Files and Directories in", os.getcwd(),":")


for file_name in os.listdir():


print(file_name)

Check if a file exists

file_path = "/path/to/file.txt"


if os.path.exists(file_path):


print(f"{file_path} exists.")


else:


print(f"{file_path} does not exist.")

Create a new directory

os.mkdir("/path/to/new/directory")


print("Directory created successfully!")

Remove an empty directory

os.rmdir("/path/to/empty/directory")


print("Empty directory removed successfully!")

Copy a file

source_file = "/path/to/source/file.txt"


destination_file = "/path/to/destination/file.txt"


os.system(f"cp {source_file} {destination_file}")

Move or rename a file

file_name = "old_file.txt"


new_file_name = "new_file.txt"


os.rename(file_name, new_file_name)


print("File renamed successfully!")

Get the size of a file

file_size = os.path.getsize(source_file)


print(f"Size of {source_file} is {file_size} bytes.")

Get the creation date and time of a file

creation_time = os.path.getctime(source_file)


print(f"{source_file} was created on {creation_time}")

Get the modification date and time of a file

modification_time = os.path.getmtime(source_file)


print(f"{source_file} was last modified on {modification_time}")

This example shows how to:

Print the current working directory using os.getcwd(). Change the current working directory using os.chdir(). List files and directories in a directory using os.listdir() and iterate over the results. Check if a file exists using os.path.exists(). Create a new directory using os.mkdir(). Remove an empty directory using os.rmdir(). Copy a file using os.system() with the cp command. Rename or move a file using os.rename(). Get the size of a file using os.path.getsize(). Get the creation and modification dates/times of a file using os.path.getctime() and os.path.getmtime().
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