Find the current directory and file's directory

Unraveling file path operations in Python

Differentiating the script directory from the current working directory

The current working directory represents the directory where your Python interpreter is invoked and is accessible via os.getcwd(). However, this is not the same as your script's directory which is the directory where your Python script file lives. You can strategically find your script's exact location regardless of where the invocation occurs:

import os
print(os.path.dirname(os.path.realpath(__file__))) # 🗺️ Your script's home address
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Resolving symbolic links

In situations where your file path includes symbolic links, navigating to the actual file location becomes critical. os.path.realpath(__file__) can cut through the symbolic maze and lead you straight to the file:

os.path.realpath(__file__) # 🗡️ Cuts through symbolic links like a hot knife!
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Changing the directory, leaving __file__ untouched

You can change the current working directory using os.chdir(). However, take note that it won't modify the value of __file__. This fact becomes important when running scripts that depend on relative path operations:

import os
os.chdir('/new/path') # 💃 Switches the dance floor, but the music (__file__) plays on! 
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Modern path operations with the pathlib library

Python also allows you to navigate your file system via an object-oriented approach using pathlib. This brings with it some intuitive advantages:

from pathlib import Path

# Current directory
print(Path.cwd()) # Directs you to your current position 🧭

# File's directory
dirs_path = Path(__file__).resolve().parent
print(dirs_path) # Leads you to the parent's house!
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Anticipating pitfalls and pro tips

The occasional unreliable __file__

When __file__ is used in a packaged or bundled application, it may not give the expected path. Be ready to handle this variant in complex applications.

Platform-agnostic path management

The way paths are constructed differs between operating systems. Stick to using os.path.join or pathlib to avoid issues when moving between Unix and Windows platforms.

File operations — Path objects to the rescue!

Starting from Python 3.6, you can cheekily slip Path objects directly into file operations like open(). Sweet!

with open(Path(__file__).resolve(), 'r') as f:
    # Let's read a tale 📚
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Directory handling via Path objects

Path objects provide methods as weapons in your path manipulation armory. Use iterdir(), glob(), and with_name() to wreak havoc on your file system tasks.