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File Exists

Zero-dependency Python snippets for checking file existence using the standard library.

4 snippets available in this sub-category.

Simple

Check if file exists

file exists os path

Check if a file exists in the filesystem

import os

if os.path.exists("file.txt"):
    print("File exists")
else:
    print("File does not exist")

Notes

  • Returns True if file exists, False otherwise
  • Works for files, directories, and symlinks
  • Simple and straightforward check

Check if file is a regular file

file isfile os path

Check if path is a regular file (not directory)

import os

if os.path.isfile("file.txt"):
    print("It is a regular file")
else:
    print("Not a regular file")

Notes

  • Returns True only for regular files
  • Returns False for directories, symlinks, etc.
  • More specific than exists()

Complex

Check file with multiple conditions

file exists isfile isdir islink size

Comprehensive file status check with size information

import os


def check_file_status(filename):
    """Check file existence and type with detailed status."""
    if not os.path.exists(filename):
        return "File does not exist"

    if os.path.isfile(filename):
        size = os.path.getsize(filename)
        return f"Regular file, size: {size} bytes"

    if os.path.isdir(filename):
        return "It is a directory"

    if os.path.islink(filename):
        return "It is a symbolic link"

    return "Unknown file type"


status = check_file_status("file.txt")
print(status)

Notes

  • Distinguishes between file types
  • Provides file size for regular files
  • Handles all common file types
  • Useful for file validation

Check file with permissions

file exists access permissions os

Check file existence and access permissions

import os


def check_file_access(filename):
    """Check file existence and access permissions."""
    if not os.path.exists(filename):
        return "File does not exist"

    checks = []

    # Check read permission
    if os.access(filename, os.R_OK):
        checks.append("readable")
    else:
        checks.append("not readable")

    # Check write permission
    if os.access(filename, os.W_OK):
        checks.append("writable")
    else:
        checks.append("not writable")

    # Check execute permission
    if os.access(filename, os.X_OK):
        checks.append("executable")
    else:
        checks.append("not executable")

    return f"File exists: {', '.join(checks)}"


access = check_file_access("file.txt")
print(access)

Notes

  • Checks read, write, and execute permissions
  • Uses os.access() for permission checking
  • Provides detailed access information
  • Useful for security and file handling

🔗 Cross-References

🏷️ Tags

file, exists, os, check, io

📝 Notes

  • Use os.path.isfile() to check for file existence
  • Useful for safe file operations
  • Related: directory existence and deletion