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Create empty file using python

python
file-handling
os-module
python-basics
Nikita BarsukovbyNikita Barsukov·Feb 3, 2025
TLDR

Create an empty file in a flash with open('filename', 'a').close(). The 'a' mode assures the file is born if it's not already there, and untouched like a painting in a museum if it does:

open('future_emptyfile.txt', 'a').close() #Now you see it...

This one-liner is sports car of file handling. It's swift, safe, and doesn't need a pit crew for exception handling.

Crafting non-existing directories

A file needs a home. Use os.makedirs() to build its abode when the directory order seems like chaos:

import os filename_path = 'path/to/futurehome/emptyfile.txt' os.makedirs(os.path.dirname(filename_path), exist_ok=True) #Knocking on heavens door open(filename_path, 'a').close() #There's no place like home

The exist_ok=True flag makes os.makedirs() all calms and composed if the directory already exists. No drama!

Keep time, Beat time

Need an alibi that a file was accessed now, or create it if it didn't exist? open() and os.utime() will back your story:

import os filename_path = 'evidence.txt' with open(filename_path, 'a') as f: #The Watchmaker os.utime(filename_path, None) #Time dilation

This chronomantic move updates the timestamp of a file, bringing it into existence if it didn't exist at all, without altering its quantum state (read: content).

Gratuitous closing: It's cleaner

In the realm of file handling, closing the door behind you is the haute couture. The with statement is your personal stylist:

with open('emptyfile.txt', 'a') as f: pass # Sneak in, sneak out. No trace left behind!

The with block lets you skip the .close() call because Python's context manager runs a classy exit for you.

File creation across realities (OS platforms)

Creating files in different realities — I mean, operating systems — can be as tricky as quantum mechanics, especially with laws of permissions. Stick to open(), unless you have root privileges and the desire to tangle with os.mknod() on OSX.

Stick with open(). It's like your constant in a world (OS) of variables.

Guarding existing files

Actual files are more like Schrodinger's cats: you might or might not overwrite them. Use 'a' mode to keep the cat alive:

open('important_data.txt', 'a').close() # Schrodinger's cat is safe. For Now...

The 'a' mode ensures that if important_data.txt exists, you won't annihilate it.

Unix's gift: Using touch method

The Unix touch command can be borrowed by Python for file creation. Agreed, it's more of a Unix idiom, but Python is a language of appropriation:

import os os.system('touch newfile.txt') # Basically, Unix inside Python. Like a Naan Pizza.

Remember, this method is more like the Dark Arts. You can use it, but better to avoid due to portability and security concerns.