**Course Title:** Modern Python Programming: Best Practices and Trends **Section Title:** File Handling and Working with External Data **Topic:** Introduction to Python’s `pathlib` and `os` modules for file manipulation. **Overview** In this topic, we'll delve into the world of file manipulation using Python's `pathlib` and `os` modules. These modules provide a wide range of functionalities for working with files and directories, allowing you to perform tasks such as file creation, deletion, copying, and more. We'll explore the key features of these modules, including their strengths and weaknesses, and learn how to use them effectively in your Python programs. **The `os` Module** The `os` module is a built-in Python module that provides a way to interact with the operating system and file system. It offers a range of functions for working with files, directories, and processes. **Key Features of the `os` Module** * **File Operations**: The `os` module provides functions for performing various file operations, such as file creation, deletion, copying, and renaming. * **Directory Operations**: You can use the `os` module to create, delete, and list directories. * **Process Operations**: The `os` module offers functions for working with processes, including executing system commands and getting process IDs. **Example Use Cases for the `os` Module** ```python import os # Create a new directory os.mkdir("new_directory") # Create a new file with open("new_file.txt", "w") as f: f.write("Hello, World!") # Delete a file os.remove("new_file.txt") # List the contents of the current directory print(os.listdir()) # Get the current working directory print(os.getcwd()) ``` **The `pathlib` Module** The `pathlib` module is a modern Python module that provides a more Pythonic way of working with paths. It was introduced in Python 3.4 and has since become the recommended way to work with paths in Python. **Key Features of the `pathlib` Module** * **Path Objects**: The `pathlib` module introduces a new type of object called a `Path` object, which represents a file path or directory path. * **Path Operations**: You can use the `pathlib` module to perform various path operations, such as file creation, deletion, copying, and renaming. * **Path Manipulation**: The `pathlib` module provides functions for manipulating paths, including joining paths, expanding paths, and resolving paths. **Example Use Cases for the `pathlib` Module** ```python import pathlib # Create a new directory path = pathlib.Path("new_directory") path.mkdir() # Create a new file file_path = pathlib.Path("new_file.txt") file_path.touch() # Delete a file file_path.unlink() # List the contents of the current directory print(list(pathlib.Path().iterdir())) # Get the current working directory print(pathlib.Path().absolute()) # Join two paths together path = pathlib.Path("new_directory") / "new_subdirectory" path.mkdir() ``` **Comparison of the `os` and `pathlib` Modules** * **Portability**: Both modules are portable across different operating systems. * **Path Operations**: Both modules provide functions for performing path operations, but the `pathlib` module provides a more object-oriented approach. * **Path Manipulation**: The `pathlib` module provides more advanced path manipulation functions. **Best Practices** * Use the `pathlib` module for new projects. * Use the `os` module for legacy projects or when working with older Python versions. * Use path objects instead of string paths when possible. **Conclusion** In this topic, we've explored the key features of the `os` and `pathlib` modules and learned how to use them effectively for file manipulation. By understanding the strengths and weaknesses of each module, you can choose the best approach for your specific use case. Remember to use path objects instead of string paths when possible, and take advantage of the more advanced path manipulation functions provided by the `pathlib` module. **What's Next?** In the next topic, we'll explore working with external data sources, including APIs and web scraping using `requests` and `BeautifulSoup`. If you have any questions or need help with the material covered in this topic, please leave a comment below. **Additional Resources** * [Python Documentation: `os` Module](https://docs.python.org/3/library/os.html) * [Python Documentation: `pathlib` Module](https://docs.python.org/3/library/pathlib.html) * [Real Python: Working with Files in Python](https://realpython.com/working-with-files-in-python/)