How to get only the last part of a path in Python?

Managing unexpected cases

Path usage can throw up particular situations such as trailing slashes or empty paths. Below is how to negotiate these hurdles:

Using os.path to sidestep common issues

# Though trailing slash path feels like 'endgame', we're just getting started.
trail_slash_path = "/foo/bar/"
norm_trail_slash_path = os.path.normpath(trail_slash_path)
print(os.path.basename(norm_trail_slash_path))  # 'bar'

# Empty path: does emptiness have a name? Let's find out.
empty_path = ""
print(os.path.basename(empty_path))  # ''
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Using pathlib for a seamless approach

# Pathlib is like a 'no worries' approach, handling trailing & empty paths like a pro.
trail_slash_path = Path("/foo/bar/")
print(trail_slash_path.name)  # 'bar'

empty_path = Path("")
print(empty_path.name)  # ''
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We see that os.path requires some pre-cleanup with os.path.normpath for optimal results, pathlib provides neatly groomed solutions right from the outset.

File vs Folder: The Directory Dilemma

When needed to discern between files and directories or fetch the name of the last directory, you can fine-tune your method thus:

Identifying if a path leads to a directory:

# Like asking, "Are you a folder?" The path responds.
if os.path.isdir('/foo/bar/'):
    print("Yes, this is a directory.")

if Path('/foo/bar/').is_dir():
    print("Indeed, this is a directory.")
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This simple interrogation can guide informed decisions for further path processing.

Extracting the last directory name:

Paths ending with directories can stump os.path.basename or Path.name as:

# os.path sounds puzzlingly silent at this:
print(os.path.basename('/foo/bar/'))  # ''

# pathlib to the rescue:
print(Path('/foo/bar/').parent.name)  # 'bar'
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The parent.name property of pathlib.Path objects cunningly bypasses the stumbling block, fetching the directory name even in the face of a trailing slash.

Delving deeper with pathlib

Complex path manipulations, beyond just the tail end, can be expertly managed with the object-oriented pathlib:

Extracting varied path elements

p = Path('/foo/bar/item.ext')
print(p.stem)  # 'item'
print(p.suffix)  # '.ext'
print(p.parent)  # '/foo/bar'
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Across Operating Systems, pathlib stands firm

pathlib scores by being OS-agnostic, thus making your code way more portable:

# Windows path treating it no different than POSIX paths, like an unbiased ref!
windows_path = Path(r"C:\Users\Name\file.txt")
print(windows_path.name)  # 'file.txt'
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Easy path operations

Pathlib paths make path combination, listing, and examination a breeze:

# Combining paths like a happy family reunion.
new_path = posix_path.parent / 'newfile.txt'
print(new_path)  # '/home/name/newfile.txt'

# Listing directory contents, peeking into each room.
for child in posix_path.parent.iterdir():
    print(child)  # Announces each child in the directory
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