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Python File Copying

Copying Files in Python

Python file copying uses shutil.copy, with error handling.

Introduction to File Copying in Python

Copying files is a common task in programming, and Python provides a powerful module, shutil, to handle it. In this tutorial, we'll explore how to use shutil.copy to copy files efficiently in Python, along with best practices for error handling.

Using shutil.copy

The shutil.copy method is a straightforward way to copy the contents of a file from a source to a destination. It preserves the file’s permissions but not the metadata. Let’s see how it works with a simple example:

Handling Errors During File Copying

When copying files, it's essential to handle potential errors, such as file not found, permission errors, or I/O errors. Python's exception handling with try and except blocks can be used to manage these situations:

Copying Files with Metadata

If you need to copy not only the file content but also the metadata such as the file's creation and modification times, you should use shutil.copy2 instead of shutil.copy. Here is how you can do it:

Conclusion

In this guide, we've covered the essentials of copying files in Python using shutil.copy and shutil.copy2. These tools make it simple to copy files with or without metadata, while Python's error handling ensures your program can manage any issues that arise during the copy process.

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