Create Directories with Python: Handle Missing Parents

Introduction
Step-by-Step Guide
Code Example
Additional Notes
Summary
Conclusion
References

Introduction

In Python, creating a new directory along with any necessary parent directories is a common task. This can be achieved using either the os.makedirs() function or the pathlib module.

Step-by-Step Guide

To create a directory and any necessary parent directories in Python, you can use the os.makedirs() function.

For example, if you want to create a directory named "mydir" inside a directory named "parent_dir", you would use the following code:

import os
os.makedirs("parent_dir/mydir")

If the "parent_dir" directory doesn't exist, os.makedirs() will create it as well.

This function is equivalent to the mkdir -p command in Linux. It ensures that all parent directories in the specified path are created if they don't already exist.

Alternatively, you can use the pathlib module in Python 3.5 and above for a more object-oriented approach:

from pathlib import Path
Path("parent_dir/mydir").mkdir(parents=True, exist_ok=True)

This code achieves the same result as the os.makedirs() example.

Here's a breakdown of the code:

Path("parent_dir/mydir"): This creates a Path object representing the desired directory path.
.mkdir(parents=True, exist_ok=True): This calls the mkdir() method on the Path object with the following arguments:
- parents=True: This tells mkdir() to create any missing parent directories.
- exist_ok=True: This prevents an error from being raised if the directory already exists.

Both methods effectively create the desired directory and any necessary parent directories. Choose the method that best suits your coding style and Python version.

Code Example

This Python code demonstrates creating directories using both the os.makedirs() function and the pathlib.Path.mkdir() method. It shows how to create a directory "mydir" inside a "parent_dir", handling the case where the parent directory may or may not already exist. The code also illustrates creating a more nested directory structure with "grandparent_dir/parent_dir/mydir". Both approaches achieve the same outcome, providing flexibility in how you manage directory creation in your Python scripts.

import os
from pathlib import Path

# Using os.makedirs()
os.makedirs("parent_dir/mydir")

# Using pathlib
Path("parent_dir/mydir").mkdir(parents=True, exist_ok=True)

# Example with a more complex directory structure
os.makedirs("grandparent_dir/parent_dir/mydir")
Path("grandparent_dir/parent_dir/mydir").mkdir(parents=True, exist_ok=True)

This code demonstrates both methods for creating directories:

os.makedirs(): This function directly creates the directory and any necessary parent directories.
pathlib.Path.mkdir(): This method provides a more object-oriented approach, allowing you to manipulate paths as objects.

Both methods achieve the same result, creating the directory "mydir" inside "parent_dir" (and "parent_dir" inside "grandparent_dir" in the last example) if they don't exist. The parents=True and exist_ok=True arguments ensure that the code runs without errors even if the directories already exist.

Additional Notes

Error Handling: While exist_ok=True prevents errors if the directory exists, other errors might occur (like permission issues). Consider using try-except blocks for robust error handling.
Permissions: os.makedirs() might require root/administrator privileges depending on the directory location and system settings.
Alternatives: For single directory creation without parent directories, use os.mkdir() or Path.mkdir(parents=False).
Security: When constructing paths from user input, be cautious of directory traversal vulnerabilities. Validate and sanitize user input before using it to create directories.
Performance: pathlib can be slightly slower than os for basic operations, but offers a more Pythonic and readable approach. Choose based on your project's needs.
Python 2 Compatibility: pathlib was introduced in Python 3.4 and the exist_ok parameter in mkdir() was added in Python 3.5. For Python 2, stick to os.makedirs() or use a backport like pathlib2.
Use Cases: Creating directories is essential for organizing files, setting up project structures, and managing temporary files in Python applications.
Best Practices: Favor clarity and readability. Choose the method that best suits your coding style and project requirements.
Documentation: Refer to the official Python documentation for os (https://docs.python.org/3/library/os.html) and pathlib (https://docs.python.org/3/library/pathlib.html) for detailed information and advanced usage.

Summary

This article provides a concise guide on creating directories and their parent directories in Python.

Key Takeaways:

os.makedirs(): This function, similar to mkdir -p in Linux, creates a directory and any missing parent directories.
```
import os
os.makedirs("parent_dir/mydir") 
```
pathlib.Path.mkdir(): This object-oriented approach, available in Python 3.5+, achieves the same result.
```
from pathlib import Path
Path("parent_dir/mydir").mkdir(parents=True, exist_ok=True)
```
- parents=True: Creates missing parent directories.
- exist_ok=True: Prevents errors if the directory already exists.

Choose the method that aligns with your coding style and Python version.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Python offers flexible and straightforward methods for creating directories, simplifying file organization within your applications. Whether you prefer the direct approach of os.makedirs() or the object-oriented style of pathlib.Path.mkdir(), you can easily create directories and their parent directories. Remember to handle potential errors gracefully and prioritize secure coding practices, especially when dealing with user-provided paths. By understanding these techniques and best practices, you can confidently manage directories in your Python projects.

References

Python 3: Create a Directory with Parents (Like mkdir -p ... | Feb 8, 2021 ... mkdir -p /tmp/my/new/dir. to create the new directory, as well as the intermediate parent directories all at once. Using pathlib (Python 3.5 and ...
path - mkdir -p functionality in Python - Stack Overflow | Mar 1, 2009 ... How do I create a directory, and any missing parent directories? (27 ... python mkdir to make folder with subfolder? 5 · create multiple folders ...
Allow open() to create non-existent directories in write mode ... | I’d like that open() creates non-existent directories, like it creates the file when opening it in write mode if it does not exist. Example usage It could be an optional argument to avoid introducing a breaking change. Similar in concept to the -p, --parents option of the shell mkdir util. with open("newdirectory/foo", mode="w", create_parents=True) as f: f.write("toto") Why? Currently, this code raises FileNotFoundError, because the directory “newdirectory” does not exist: >>> with o...
Creating a Directory and its Parent Directories in Python | In Python, we often need to interact with the file system, whether it's reading files, writing to them, or creating directories. This Byte will focus on how to...
"Missing dbt_project.yml file" error message - Archive - dbt ... | I keep getting this error. Can someone help to get the correct directory structure setup. Encountered an error: Runtime Error fatal: Not a dbt project (or any of the parent directories). Missing dbt_project.yml file
Create file if it doesn't exist, as well as its folders? : r/learnpython | Posted by u/Tuckertcs - 63 votes and 26 comments
How to create a nested directory in Python - Python Engineer | This article shows how a directory and all missing parents of this directory can be created in Python.
directory - How to create a file and parent directories in one ... | Aug 26, 2016 ... Is there a flag/option for touch , mkdir , > , or some other command that will allow me to create a file and any non-existent parent directories at the same ...
How to Make Parent Folders and Directories in Python | by Denis ... | Mastering Directory Creation in Python: