How do I get the full path of the current file's directory?

python

pathlib

file-path

python-3

byNikita Barsukov·Sep 4, 2024

Want to know where your script lives? Here's how:

import os
# Meet os, Python's handy, built-in pathfinder
current_dir = os.path.dirname(os.path.realpath(__file__))

Now, current_dir is your script's home--neat, right? The os.path.realpath() function even takes care of those pesky symlink paths!

newPathWhoDis: Using pathlib in Python 3

Python 3 introduced a cozier way of finding your script’s path using the pathlib module:

from pathlib import Path
# pathlib: "os, I'm you, but classier."
current_dir = Path(__file__).parent.resolve()

The resolve() function is your script's personal GPS, turning relative paths into absolute ones with ease.

The Sneaky `file`

Disclaim-Er! __file__ might be on strike in interactive sessions or packaged Python apps. In such cases, use os.getcwd() for a quick and dirty file path:

import os
# Like asking for directions at a gas station
current_dir = os.getcwd()

This will give you the path of your current pit stop (working directory), not the address of your scrip-ture.

A buffet of file path options

Method	What You Get	Module	Python Version
`Path(__file__).parent.resolve()`	File location service (absolute)	`pathlib`	3.x
`os.path.dirname(os.path.abspath(__file__))`	Same as above, just retro	`os`	2.x & 3.x
`Path().resolve()`	Current pit stop (absolute)	`pathlib`	3.x
`os.path.abspath(os.getcwd())`	Same as above, but classic	`os`	2.x & 3.x

Jupyter Path Tricks

Running a Jupyter Notebook? __file__ is taking a nap! Instead, use Path().absolute() for driving directions:

from pathlib import Path
# I guess we are not in a script anymore, Toto.
notebook_dir = Path().absolute()

This returns the path to where your notebook was launched, which could be anywhere!

Going Real with realPath

Did your code make a pit-stop at symlink city? Use os.path.realpath to find the original path:

import os
# os: I'm the original pathfinder, not the GPS!
source_path = os.path.realpath(__file__)

source_path can help your code escape the maze of symlinks and point to its true source path.

Import Tracking

Looking for an imported module's residence? Here is how:

import mymodule
import os
# os is like a homing drone, but for modules
module_path = os.path.dirname(mymodule.__file__)

Your __file__ compass now points to your imported module’s local address, cool right?

Old Reliable: The os Approach

Looking for a timeless, tested, and tried approach that ensures cross-compatibility? Keep it classic with os:

import os
# Like using a sundial in the age of smartwatches
current_dir = os.path.dirname(os.path.abspath(__file__))

This particular piece of wizardry has been around since the Python 2 days. And it's going nowhere soon.

Quick recap

pathlib is the suave newcomer in Python 3+ that makes path manipulation classier.
os.path, though vintage, still gets the job done.
Converting Path objects to strings is as easy as str(path).
.parent is your script’s lineage and .resolve() translates relative paths to absolute.