File path handling in Python - Cheat Sheet & Quick Revision

Recall & Review

beginner

What is the purpose of the os.path module in Python?

The os.path module helps manage and manipulate file paths in a way that works across different operating systems.

beginner

How do you join directory names and filenames into a full path safely?

Use os.path.join() to combine parts of a path. It adds the right separators for your operating system.

beginner

What does os.path.exists(path) check?

It checks if the file or directory at path actually exists on your computer.

intermediate

Explain the difference between os.path.abspath() and os.path.relpath().

os.path.abspath() gives the full absolute path from the root, while os.path.relpath() gives the path relative to another directory.

intermediate

What is the modern recommended way to handle file paths in Python 3.4+?

Use the pathlib module, which provides an easy and clear object-oriented way to work with file paths.

Which function joins parts of a file path correctly across operating systems?

A os.path.join()

B os.path.split()

C os.path.exists()

D os.path.abspath()

os.path.join() safely combines path parts using the right separator for the OS.

What does os.path.exists('file.txt') return if 'file.txt' is not found?

A Raises an error

B True

C False

D None

os.path.exists() returns False if the file or directory does not exist.

Which module provides an object-oriented way to handle file paths?

A pathlib

B sys

C os.path

D shutil

pathlib offers classes to work with paths in a clear and modern way.

What does os.path.abspath('file.txt') return?

A The relative path to 'file.txt'

B The parent directory path

C The filename only

D The absolute full path to 'file.txt'

os.path.abspath() returns the full absolute path from the root to the file.

Which function splits a path into directory and filename?

A os.path.join()

B os.path.split()

C os.path.exists()

D os.path.relpath()

os.path.split() separates a path into the directory part and the filename.

Describe how to safely combine folder names and filenames into a full path in Python.

Think about how to avoid errors with slashes on Windows vs Linux.

Explain the benefits of using pathlib over os.path for file path handling.

Consider how pathlib uses objects instead of strings.