How do I check if a directory exists in Python?

python

pathlib

file-system

directory-existence

byAnton Shumikhin·Feb 11, 2025

To assert the existence of a directory in Python, call the os.path.isdir() function from the built-in os module. This method specifically checks for a directory's presence.

Example:

import os

if os.path.isdir('/path/to/your/directory'):
    print('Hurray! The directory exists.')  # Tadaa!
else:
    print('Oops! No such directory.')  # The saddest words in coding.

Exploring other methods

Checking path existence in different ways

Python provides several methods to feed your coding curiosity:

For validating any kind of path, os.path.exists('path') can check for the existence of both files and directories.
To roll with the new and shiny, pathlib module offers a beautiful object-oriented approach to filesystem manipulation. Employ Path('path').is_dir() for directories, and Path('path').exists() for any filesystem object.

Example with pathlib:

from pathlib import Path

directory = Path('/path/to/your/directory')
if directory.is_dir():
    print('Yeah! Folder exists')  # Victory screech!
else:
    print('Bummer! No folder here')  # Oh well, another day perhaps.

Building paths the smart way

When dealing with paths, let go of manual typing, and let Python do the work:

Use os.path.join() to craft paths dynamically.
With pathlib, embrace the / operator to form paths in an elegant way.

Building paths with os:

import os

full_path = os.path.join(os.getcwd(), 'folder', 'file')

Building paths with pathlib:

from pathlib import Path

full_path = Path.cwd() / 'folder' / 'file'  # Because / is cooler than \\, isn't it?

Potential gotchas and booby traps

The case of the invisible folder: A directory you lack read permission for can lead os.path.isdir() to return False.
Impostor alert: os.path.isdir() reckons symlinks to directories as, well, directories. Use os.path.islink() if you're suspicious.
Decoding the ancients: If you speak Python 2.7, install pathlib2 to enjoy a touch of pathlib.

Embracing path operations holistically

`pathlib`: The stylish way of doing things

If your Python is 3.4+ fluent, harness the potential of pathlib. It turns filesystem paths into treats for the eyes:

General existence check: Apply exists() on your path for an all-inclusive existence verification.
Specific file check: Favor is_file() to confirm if the path belongs to a file.

Files inside directories: Double-check, double fun

Verify both a directory's existence and a specific file inside it:

from pathlib import Path

directory = Path('/path/to/your/directory')
file_to_check = directory / 'example.txt'

if file_to_check.exists() and file_to_check.is_file():
    print('The secret file is here!')  # Found the quantum plans!
else:
    print('The file or directory is MIA.')  # The cat's out of the bag.

Beware of exceptions and errors

Occasionally, filesystem interactions can get rowdy. Be prepared for:

PermissionError: This spoil-sport shows up when accessing a forbidden path.
FileNotFoundError: The party pooper when a path doesn't exist.

Onward to mastery

Delve into the hidden depths of os and pathlib:

Path manipulation: Learn all the sneaky tricks of pathlib.Path.
Filesystem insights: Learn os.stat() to collect metadata about paths.
Automated directory creation: Code that creates directories when absent. Who needs humans when you have Python?