Standard Library

Python shutil Module

Python File Operations

Python shutil module copies and moves files, with rmtree.

Introduction to the shutil Module

The shutil module in Python is a powerful utility used for high-level file operations such as copying and moving files and directories. It provides a convenient way to handle file operations without having to manually handle the low-level details.

Copying Files with shutil

The shutil.copy() function copies the content of a source file to a destination file or directory. If the destination is a directory, the file will be copied into that directory.

The shutil.copy2() function is similar but also attempts to preserve file metadata.

Moving Files with shutil

To move a file or directory, you can use the shutil.move() function. This function moves a file or directory to a new location.

Deleting Files and Directories

The shutil.rmtree() function is used to delete an entire directory tree. Use this with caution as it will permanently delete all contents within the directory.

Conclusion

The shutil module is a high-level interface for file operations in Python. Whether you need to copy, move, or delete files and directories, shutil provides a straightforward approach to managing files efficiently.