PythonHow-ToBeginner · 3 min read

How to Get File Creation Time in Python Easily

You can get a file's creation time in Python using os.path.getctime(path) or pathlib.Path(path).stat().st_ctime. Note that on some systems like Linux, st_ctime may show the last metadata change time, not creation time.

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Syntax

Use os.path.getctime(path) or pathlib.Path(path).stat().st_ctime to get the creation time of a file.

path: The file path as a string or Path object.
getctime(): Returns the creation time as seconds since the epoch.
stat().st_ctime: Accesses the creation time from file stats.

python

import os
from pathlib import Path

# Using os module
creation_time = os.path.getctime('example.txt')

# Using pathlib module
file_path = Path('example.txt')
creation_time_pathlib = file_path.stat().st_ctime

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Example

This example shows how to get and print the creation time of a file in a readable format using os and pathlib. It converts the timestamp to a human-readable date and time.

python

import os
from pathlib import Path
import time

file_name = 'example.txt'

# Create the file for demonstration
with open(file_name, 'w') as f:
    f.write('Hello!')

# Get creation time using os
ctime_os = os.path.getctime(file_name)
print('Creation time using os:', time.ctime(ctime_os))

# Get creation time using pathlib
file_path = Path(file_name)
ctime_pathlib = file_path.stat().st_ctime
print('Creation time using pathlib:', time.ctime(ctime_pathlib))

Output

Creation time using os: Thu Jun 8 12:00:00 2023 Creation time using pathlib: Thu Jun 8 12:00:00 2023

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Common Pitfalls

On some operating systems like Linux, st_ctime does not return the file creation time but the last metadata change time. This can cause confusion if you expect the original creation time.

Windows reliably provides creation time, but Linux and macOS may not. For Linux, you might need third-party tools or extended attributes to get creation time.

Also, ensure the file exists before calling these functions to avoid errors.

python

import os

file_name = 'nonexistent.txt'

# Wrong: calling getctime on a missing file causes an error
try:
    print(os.path.getctime(file_name))
except FileNotFoundError:
    print('File not found error caught!')

# Right: check if file exists first
if os.path.exists(file_name):
    print(os.path.getctime(file_name))
else:
    print('File does not exist.')

Output

File not found error caught! File does not exist.

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Quick Reference

Function/Method	Description	Notes
os.path.getctime(path)	Returns file creation time (seconds since epoch)	Reliable on Windows; on Linux shows metadata change time
pathlib.Path(path).stat().st_ctime	Access creation time from file stats	Same behavior as os.path.getctime
time.ctime(timestamp)	Converts timestamp to readable string	Use to display creation time nicely

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Key Takeaways

Use os.path.getctime() or pathlib.Path().stat().st_ctime to get file creation time in Python.

On Windows, these methods return actual creation time; on Linux/macOS, they may return metadata change time.

Always check if the file exists before getting its creation time to avoid errors.

Convert the timestamp to a readable format with time.ctime() for easier understanding.

For true creation time on Linux, consider platform-specific tools or extended attributes.