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Move File

Zero-dependency Python snippets for moving and renaming files using the standard library.

4 snippets available in this sub-category.

Simple

Move/rename file

file move rename shutil

Move or rename a file to a new location

import shutil

shutil.move("old_name.txt", "new_name.txt")

Notes

  • Works for both moving and renaming
  • Overwrites destination if it exists
  • Preserves file metadata

Move file with os.rename

file move rename os

Rename file using os.rename (same filesystem only)

import os

os.rename("old_name.txt", "new_name.txt")

Notes

  • Faster than shutil.move for same filesystem
  • Fails if moving across filesystems
  • Atomic operation when possible

Complex

Move file with backup

file move backup timestamp shutil

Move file with automatic backup of existing destination

import shutil
import os
from datetime import datetime


def move_file_with_backup(src, dst):
    """Move file with automatic backup if destination exists."""
    if not os.path.exists(src):
        print(f"Source file '{src}' does not exist")
        return False

    if os.path.exists(dst):
        # Create backup with timestamp
        timestamp = datetime.now().strftime("%Y%m%d_%H%M%S")
        backup_name = f"{dst}.backup_{timestamp}"
        shutil.move(dst, backup_name)
        print(f"Created backup: {backup_name}")

    try:
        shutil.move(src, dst)
        print(f"File moved successfully: {src} -> {dst}")
        return True
    except Exception as e:
        print(f"Error moving file: {e}")
        return False


move_file_with_backup("source.txt", "destination.txt")

Notes

  • Creates timestamped backup if destination exists
  • Prevents accidental data loss
  • Provides detailed operation feedback
  • Safe for important file operations

Move file with validation

file move validation confirmation shutil

Move file with comprehensive validation and confirmation

import shutil
import os


def move_file_validated(src, dst):
    """Move file with source validation and destination confirmation."""
    # Validate source
    if not os.path.exists(src):
        print(f"Source file '{src}' does not exist")
        return False

    if not os.path.isfile(src):
        print(f"'{src}' is not a regular file")
        return False

    # Check destination
    if os.path.exists(dst):
        if os.path.isdir(dst):
            # If destination is directory, append filename
            dst = os.path.join(dst, os.path.basename(src))

        if os.path.exists(dst):
            response = input(f"'{dst}' already exists. Overwrite? (y/N): ")
            if response.lower() not in ["y", "yes"]:
                print("Move cancelled")
                return False

    # Perform move
    try:
        shutil.move(src, dst)
        print(f"File moved successfully: {src} -> {dst}")
        return True
    except Exception as e:
        print(f"Error moving file: {e}")
        return False


move_file_validated("source.txt", "destination.txt")

Notes

  • Validates source file existence and type
  • Handles directory destinations automatically
  • Asks for confirmation before overwriting

🔗 Cross Reference

🏷️ Tags

file, move, rename, backup, timestamp, validation, confirmation, shutil, os

📝 Notes

  • Use shutil.move or os.rename for moving files
  • Handle backups and confirmations for safety
  • Useful for file management and automation