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How to create new folder?

python
file-permissions
error-handling
folder-creation
Alex KataevbyAlex KataevΒ·Feb 16, 2025
⚑TLDR

To create a new folder in Python, we use os.makedirs() function:

import os os.makedirs('new_folder', exist_ok=True) # One-liner, the Python's way! 🐍

exist_ok=True is the safety belt that prevents errors if the folder already exists. Quick and clean!

Checking existence before creation

It's a good idea to check if the folder exists before trying to create it. Use os.path.exists() to avoid repeating yourself or, in computing lingo, "D.R.Y":

import os folder_path = 'new_folder' if not os.path.exists(folder_path): # Hey, are you there yet? os.makedirs(folder_path) else: print(f"The omnipresent `{folder_path}` strikes again!")

Adapting to changing paths

To enhance adaptability and portability, it's advisable to use variables for folder paths:

folder_name = 'my_unpredictable_folder' # Will it be a cat or a dog folder this time? folder_path = os.path.join('base_directory', folder_name) os.makedirs(folder_path, exist_ok=True)

Handling special characters in paths

For Windows paths or to ignore escape characters, use raw strings:

import os # Watch out, backslashes ahead! os.makedirs(r'C:\Users\YourName\new_folder')

Here, the r prefix tells Python to treat the string literally, avoiding "backslashitis" πŸ₯.

Security through permissions

File permissions are key for security. Python's os.makedirs() respects default permissions, but you can set your own:

import os # Hard hats on! os.makedirs('secure_folder', mode=0o770) # Read, write, execute for the owner and group

Expecting the unexpected

Coding without error handling is like crossing the road with your eyes closed. Here's how you can prepare for potential pitfalls:

try: os.makedirs('new_folder') except OSError as e: print(f"Error: {e} - Now, where did that squirrel hide my folder?")

A simple try-except block that lets you catch errors, with a touch of humor.

Deep dive: creating nested directories

For deeply nested hierarchies, os.makedirs() can be your henchman, creating every missing intermediate-level folder:

os.makedirs('a/very/deep/path/to/new_folder', exist_ok=True)

This creates all the folders in the path, leaving no stone (or folder) unturned.

Code reuse with functions

Reusability is the soul of good programming. Here's the process encapsulated in a function:

def create_folder(path): if not os.path.exists(path): os.makedirs(path) else: print(f"Folder `{path}` already exists, clever you!") create_folder('new_successful_folder') # Folder creation, at your service!

Wrapping the logic in a function can be your "folder factory" for creating folders on demand.

Shifting to the new workspace

Once your new folder is ready, you might want to switch to it directly:

os.chdir('new_folder') # Teleported to 'new_folder'!

Calling os.chdir() lets you move into your new folder as swiftly as teleporting.