How do I get the parent directory in Python?

python

pathlib

object-oriented

intuitive

byNikita Barsukov·Dec 10, 2024

For instant results, use the built-in os.path.dirname() function for the parent directory or os.path.abspath(os.path.join(path, os.pardir)) for the upper level. Here's a quick-take:

import os

# Some fancy path you got there
path = '/path/to/your/directory_or_file'
parent_dir = os.path.dirname(path)
# Mom, is that you?
print(parent_dir)  # Outputs: '/path/to/your'

# Moving out of my parent's basement
up_one_level = os.path.abspath(os.path.join(path, os.pardir))
print(up_one_level)  # Outputs: '/path/to'

Got a large family tree? os.path.dirname() lets you visit distant ancestors:

# Look, Grandpa!
grandparent_dir = os.path.dirname(os.path.dirname(path))

Encountering relative paths? No worries, os.path.abspath() will reliably normalize your paths.

Meet the hipster: pathlib

The cool kids on Python 3.4+ use pathlib for an object-oriented and more intuitive approach:

from pathlib import Path

# Just another fancy path
path = Path('/path/to/your/directory_or_file')
parent_dir = path.parent
# No more asking for directions!
print(parent_dir)  # Outputs: '/path/to/your'

# Going absolute a.k.a never getting lost
absolute_parent_dir = path.parent.absolute()
print(absolute_parent_dir)  # Outputs: '/path/to/your'

Who knew programming could look so clean and readable, right?

When navigating your directories:

Check for cross-platform compatibility: Both os.path and pathlib play well with different platforms, but it's always good to be sure!
Python Version Matters: Still on Python 2.x? Stick with os.path. Python 3.4+ users can enjoy the comfort of pathlib.
Need a normalized path? Use os.path.normpath() to minimize redundancy in your path.
Got a trailing slash condition? os.path.dirname() can handle it, but be wary of variances.

Dealing with oddballs: edge cases

Those pesky dots and separators

"." is the local dude while ".." is the overseas relative. Here's a recipe to deal with them:

current_dir = os.path.abspath('.')
# Mirror Mirror on the wall...
print(current_dir)

parent_dir = os.path.abspath('..')
# "Take me to my mother." 🚀
print(parent_dir)

Trailing slashes: hidden surprises!

Beware of the mischief of a path ending with a slash. Don't fear, we have a trick up our sleeve:

trailing_slash_path = '/path/to/your/'
normalized_path = os.path.normpath(trailing_slash_path)
print(os.path.dirname(normalized_path))  # Another day, another mischief solved!

Moving up the family tree

To cover multiple levels, combine your powers with the parent.parent method:

from pathlib import Path

path = Path('/path/to/your/directory_or_file')
grandparent_dir = path.parent.parent
# Hey, Grandpa!
print(grandparent_dir)

explain-codes / Python / How do I get the parent directory in Python?

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