The Python OS module plays a crucial role in bridging the interaction between Python programs and the operating system. It offers a range of functions that allow developers to perform OS-based tasks such as file and directory operations, managing system processes, and retrieving system-related information. By using this module, Python developers can execute system-dependent commands, making it a versatile tool for system-level programming.
Here’s a look at some of the most commonly used functions provided by the OS module:
1. os.name()
The os.name() function returns the name of the operating system dependent module imported. This can help in identifying the OS your Python script is running on.
Example:
import os
print(os.name)
Output:
nt
Possible outputs could include: 'posix' for Unix-based systems, 'nt' for Windows, and others like 'os2', 'ce', or 'java'.
2. os.mkdir()
A new directory is created using the os.mkdir() function. To make a new directory in a given path, for instance:
import os
os.mkdir("d:\\newdir")
This will create a new folder named newdir in the D: drive.
3. os.getcwd()
The os.getcwd() function returns the current working directory, i.e., the directory in which the Python script is running.
Example:
import os
print(os.getcwd())
Output:
C:\Users\Python\Desktop\ModuleOS
4. os.chdir()
By utilizing the os.chdir() function, you can modify the current working directory.
Example:
import os
os.chdir("d:\\")
print(os.getcwd())
Output:
d:\
5. os.rmdir()
The os.rmdir() function removes a directory. Before removing a directory, make sure that it is empty; otherwise, an error will occur.
Example:
import os
os.rmdir("d:\\newdir")
6. os.error()
The os.error() function raises an error when an invalid or inaccessible file or directory is encountered, such as in the case of missing files or incorrect file paths.
import os
try:
filename = 'Python.txt'
f = open(filename, 'r')
text = f.read()
f.close()
except IOError:
print('Problem reading: ' + filename)
Output:
Problem reading: Python.txt
7. os.popen()
A pipe can be opened to or from a command using the os.popen() method. It returns a file object connected to the pipe, which allows you to read from or write to the command output.
Example:
import os
fd = "python.txt"
file = os.popen(fd, 'w')
file.write("This is awesome")
file.close()
file = os.popen(fd, 'r')
print(file.read())
Output:
This is awesome
8. os.close()
The os.close() function closes an open file descriptor. In the example below, we open and close a file:
import os
fr = "Python1.txt"
file = open(fr, 'r')
text = file.read()
print(text)
os.close(file)
This will raise an error since the os.close() function is not suitable for Python’s file objects. It’s more appropriate for file descriptors returned by os.open().
9. os.rename()
You can rename a file or directory using the os.rename() function. You need to ensure you have the appropriate permissions to rename the file.
Example:
import os
fd = "python.txt"
os.rename(fd, 'Python1.txt')
10. os.access()
The os.access() function determines if a specified route is accessible to the current user. Permissions to read, write, and execute can be tested using it.
Example:
import os
path1 = os.access("Python.txt", os.F_OK)
print("Exist path:", path1)
path2 = os.access("Python.txt", os.R_OK)
print("It access to read the file:", path2)
path3 = os.access("Python.txt", os.W_OK)
print("It access to write the file:", path3)
path4 = os.access("Python.txt", os.X_OK)
print("Check if path can be executed:", path4)
Output:
Exist path: False
It access to read the file: False
It access to write the file: False
Check if path can be executed: False
Post Comment