Unzipping files in Python

Dealing with file paths in Python

When it comes to a proper unzipping, how you handle file paths is critical. Let's decode this a bit according to different Python versions:

Python 3.2 and above:

Context management ensures resources are handled correctly. This is how you'll want to code:

from zipfile import ZipFile

with ZipFile('your_archive.zip') as archive:
    archive.extractall('extracted')
# Door closed after unpacking. No resource leaks.
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Python 3.7 and above with pathlib:

from zipfile import ZipFile
from pathlib import Path

with ZipFile(Path('your_archive.zip')) as archive:
    archive.extractall(Path('extracted'))
# The Path helps us in not getting lost in directories.
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In case of older Python versions:

from zipfile import ZipFile

archive = ZipFile('your_archive.zip')
archive.extractall('extracted')
archive.close()
# Never forget to close. We're not raised in a barn!
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Extracting selective files

In case you want to extract specific files, here's your handy code:

with zipfile.ZipFile('your_file.zip') as z:
    z.extract('specific_file.txt', 'destination_folder')
# Like finding that sock you thought the dryer ate.
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And if you have a list of specific files:

files_to_extract = ['first_file.txt', 'second_file.jpg', 'third_file.doc']
with zipfile.ZipFile('your_file.zip') as z:
    for file in files_to_extract:
        z.extract(file, 'destination_folder')
# Multi-tasking like a boss!
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Working with shutil for different archive formats

The shutil module plays nice with various archive formats. Here's the trick:

import shutil

shutil.unpack_archive('your_archive.zip', 'destination_folder')
# A method smarter than a 5th grader, detects archive format.
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Practical guide to common issues

Unzipping can sometimes unzip some unexpected issues. Let's combat them:

Password-protected ZIP files:

Encrypted ZIPs? No problem. Use setpassword():

with zipfile.ZipFile('protected.zip') as z:
    z.setpassword(b'yourpassword')
    z.extractall('destination_folder')
# Remember your password, or you'll have a ZIP of a time!
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Large ZIP files:

For large files, beware of memory constraints:

with zipfile.ZipFile('large_file.zip') as z:
    for file_info in z.infolist():
        with z.open(file_info) as file:
            process_file(file)
# One file at a time, just like eating an elephant.
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Corrupted ZIP files:

Suspect corruption? Catch exceptions:

try:
    with zipfile.ZipFile('corrupted.zip') as z:
        z.extractall('destination_folder')
except zipfile.BadZipFile as e:
    handle_error(e)
# Catch it before it falls!
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Ensuring compatibility across Python versions

Making your code universal requires a little bit extra. Here's what you need to remember when dealing with zip files:

• Use try-except blocks for bulletproof error handling.
• Verify the Python version supports specific zipfile features before using.
• If possible, use pathlib for clean and intuitive file path management.