How do you properly determine the current script directory?

Alternative strategies when __file__ is not accessible

While __file__ is usually directly accessible, things get tricky if you're executing your script using exec or execfile. We need to detect the executing script. In those cases, it's crucial to include __file__ in the globals so that it's within reach:

# Hey exec, don't forget `__file__`!
globals_dict = globals()
globals_dict["__file__"] = __file__
exec(open("your_script.py").read(), globals_dict)
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Path resolution for symlinks and bundled apps

When dealing with symlinks or when you want to resolve the true, actual path of a file, utilize os.path.realpath. When you saw a shortcut and want to get to the real deal:

# Let's cut to the chase and get the real path, shall we?
realpath = os.path.realpath(__file__)
print(realpath)
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In the context where your script is part of a zipped application or a standalone executable, you'll need to take a different approach. In that case, Python can still find your main file using the sys module:

import sys

# Either bundled up cozy with PyInstaller, or in the real world - we've got you covered!
if getattr(sys, 'frozen', False):
    bundle_dir = sys._MEIPASS  # Thank PyInstaller for this special treat
else:
    bundle_dir = os.path.dirname(os.path.abspath(__file__))
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Navigating edge cases

__file__ in interactive and packaged contexts

Interactive interpreters are splendid, but they don't understand __file__. Nor can __file__ always find its way in imported package environments. For these edge cases, use the inspect module:

import inspect

# Inspecting the current frame for more clues! 🕵️‍♀️
filename = inspect.getframeinfo(inspect.currentframe()).filename
script_dir = os.path.dirname(os.path.abspath(filename))
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Elegant approach with pathlib

pathlib is Python’s toolbox for all things paths. With its resolve() method, we usher in an age of elegance and robustness:

from pathlib import Path

# Pathlib to the rescue, brings elegance back to code!
script_dir = str(Path(__file__).resolve().parent)
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Critically acclaimed practices

There are a few best practices that will make your life easier when manipulating paths:

• Validate execution context: Running as a script, being imported as a module, or being bundled can significantly affect the returned path.
• Adapt your path retrieval methods to be resilient across different environments, especially in transitioning between development and production.
• When working with non-standard Python implementations, always check for compatibility.
• Embrace pathlib for a modern and object-oriented approach to filesystem paths to have cleaner, more readable code.