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How to copy files in Python?

Mastering File Operations: Copying Files in Python with Ease

Copying files in Python is a straightforward task, thanks to the standard library’s shutil module. Whether you’re migrating data, backing up important files, or organizing content across different directories, shutil provides simple, reliable functions to handle these operations gracefully—no need for third-party tools.

Using shutil.copy()
The most commonly used function for file copying is shutil.copy(). It copies a file from a source path to a destination path while preserving the file’s content, permissions, and metadata as closely as possible.

Example:

import shutil

source = "path/to/source/file.txt"
destination = "path/to/destination/file.txt"

shutil.copy(source, destination)
print("File copied successfully!")

Key Points:

  • If destination is a directory, shutil.copy() will create a file with the same name inside that directory.
  • If destination is a filename, it will write directly to that path (overwriting if the file exists).

Preserving Metadata with shutil.copy2()
shutil.copy2() is similar to copy() but attempts to preserve all file metadata, including access times and creation dates, making it ideal for backups or migrations where maintaining file attributes is crucial.

Example:

import shutil

source = "path/to/source/image.png"
destination = "path/to/destination/image.png"

shutil.copy2(source, destination)
print("File copied with metadata!")

Copying Directories
While copy() and copy2() work for files, if you need to copy an entire directory (including all files and subdirectories), use shutil.copytree().

Example:

import shutil

source_dir = "path/to/source_folder"
destination_dir = "path/to/destination_folder"

shutil.copytree(source_dir, destination_dir)
print("Directory copied successfully!")

Error Handling
When copying files, it’s a good practice to handle potential errors—like missing source files or write permission issues—using try-except blocks.

import shutil
import os

source = "path/to/source/file.txt"
destination = "path/to/destination/file.txt"

try:
    shutil.copy(source, destination)
    print("File copied successfully!")
except FileNotFoundError:
    print("Source file not found.")
except PermissionError:
    print("Permission denied.")
except Exception as e:
    print(f"An unexpected error occurred: {e}")

Performance Considerations
For most everyday tasks, shutil.copy() and copy2() are performant enough. However, if you’re dealing with extremely large files or transferring data over networks, consider streaming data in chunks or leveraging more advanced file handling techniques. In many production scenarios, shutil remains a reliable and simple solution.

Strengthen Your Python Fundamentals
Copying files is a basic but essential skill for many scripting, automation, and data processing tasks. If you’re new to Python or looking to bolster your understanding of core concepts and built-in modules:

  • Grokking Python Fundamentals: Ideal for beginners, this course helps solidify your grasp of Python’s key features, making file operations and other everyday coding tasks feel natural.

As you advance and potentially prepare for coding interviews or more complex challenges:

To supplement your learning, check out the DesignGurus.io YouTube channel for free, insightful tutorials and tips covering various aspects of Python programming and system design.

In Summary
Copying files in Python is a breeze with the shutil module. By understanding how to use shutil.copy(), shutil.copy2(), and shutil.copytree(), you can efficiently manage files and directories, streamline workflows, and maintain robust data handling routines. As you deepen your Python expertise through structured learning and practice, performing file operations will become a seamless part of your development toolkit.

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