• Python Snacks
  • Posts
  • Paths in Python: Comparing os.path and pathlib modules

Paths in Python: Comparing os.path and pathlib modules

A quick guide to simplifying file path management in Python

Handling file paths is a fundamental part of programming, regardless of the choice of language.

However, managing them isn’t always straightforward, with one of the biggest headaches being using backslashes for Windows (\) and forward slashes for Linux and MacOS (/).

Thankfully, Python makes managing pathing easier by providing users with 2 packages:

  • os.path

  • pathlib (introduced in Python 3.4)

Key Differences

There’s 3 big differences between the two libraries:

1. Object-Oriented vs String-based

os.path operates on strings, requiring function calls for every path operation, whereas pathlib takes an object-oriented approach. The library introduces a Path object that represents a file or directory path.

# os.path
import os
path = os.path.join("folder", "subfolder", "file.txt")

# pathlib
from pathlib import Path
path = Path("folder") / "subfolder" / "file.txt"

2. Cross-Platform Consistency

os.path requires you to manage differences in path styles manually (i.e. C:\ in Windows vs / in Unix-based systems). pathlib, on the other hand, adapts to the operating system. This ensures that paths are constructed correctly regardless of the platform.

3. Intuitive and Versatile API

os.path forces you to use separate functions for various operations, which can feel slightly clunky. pathlib combines these operations into a unified API:

# os.path
if os.path.exists("example.txt"):
    with open("example.txt", "r") as f:
        print(f.read())

# pathlib
path = Path("example.txt")
if path.exists():
    print(path.read_text())

Why you should be using pathlib

If you’re working on modern Python projects, pathlib should be your go-to choice for managing file paths. Here’s why:

  1. Cleaner and more readable code - methods like .exist(), .read_text(), and the / operator for joining paths makes your code easier to write, read, and maintain.

  2. Easy integration with modern workflows - pathlib seamlessly integrates with Python’s modern libraries and tools, such as pandas:

import pandas as pd
from pathlib import Path

csv_file = Path("data") / "file.csv"
df = pd.read_csv(csv_file)
  1. Support for advanced path manipulation - the library includes utilities that go beyond basic file handling:

path = Path('folder/subfolder/file.txt')
print(path.parent) # folder/subfolder
print(path.suffix) # .txt
new_path = path.with_suffix('.csv')
print(new_path) # folder/subfolder/file.csv

Happy coding!

📧 Join the Python Snacks Newsletter! 🐍

Want even more Python-related content that’s useful? Here’s 3 reasons why you should subscribe the Python Snacks newsletter:

  1. Get Ahead in Python with bite-sized Python tips and tricks delivered straight to your inbox, like the one above.

  2. Exclusive Subscriber Perks: Receive a curated selection of up to 6 high-impact Python resources, tips, and exclusive insights with each email.

  3. Get Smarter with Python in under 5 minutes. Your next Python breakthrough could just an email away.

You can unsubscribe at any time.

Interested in starting a newsletter or a blog?

Do you have a wealth of knowledge and insights to share with the world? Starting your own newsletter or blog is an excellent way to establish yourself as an authority in your field, connect with a like-minded community, and open up new opportunities.

If TikTok, Twitter, Facebook, or other social media platforms were to get banned, you’d lose all your followers. This is why you should start a newsletter: you own your audience.

This article may contain affiliate links. Affiliate links come at no cost to you and support the costs of this blog. Should you purchase a product/service from an affiliate link, it will come at no additional cost to you.

Reply

or to participate.