Introduction to Python’s shutil Module
Python’s shutil module is a powerful tool that offers a number of high-level operations on files and collections of files. It provides functions that support file copying and removal, making it an essential module for any Python programmer dealing with file operations.
Understanding the shutil Module
The shutil module is part of Python’s standard library. It is designed to handle high-level file operations, such as copying and deleting files. This is in contrast to the os module, which provides a more low-level interface to the operating system’s file management functionality.
Using the shutil Module
import shutil
# Copy src to dst, (cp src dst)
shutil.copy2('/src/dir/file', '/dst/dir/newname')
# Or copy src to dst, (cp src dst)
shutil.copy2('/src/file', '/dst')In the above code, we import the shutil module and use the copy2 function to copy a file from the source directory to the destination directory. The copy2 function is similar to the Unix command ‚cp‘.
Benefits of the shutil Module
The shutil module is a high-level, easy-to-use module for file operations. It abstracts the complexity of file operations into simple functions. This makes it a great tool for both beginners and experienced programmers. It is also part of Python’s standard library, which means it is readily available in any Python environment.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Python’s shutil module is a powerful and easy-to-use tool for high-level file operations. It provides functions for copying and deleting files, making it an essential tool for any Python programmer. By understanding and utilizing this module, you can greatly simplify your code and make it more efficient.