PYTHON PROGRAM • EXCEPTIONS & FILES

Check Whether a File Exists in Python

Learn check whether a file exists in python with a short, executable Python example.

Beginnerpathlibexists()

PROBLEM UNDERSTANDING

Input and expected output

Sample input

No input required

Sample output

True True

COMPLETE PYTHON PROGRAM

Complete Python implementation

from pathlib import Path
path = Path('created.txt')
path.touch()
print(path.exists(), path.is_file())

CURRENT STEP

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SELECTED LINE

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EXPECTED OUTPUT FOR THE SAMPLE

True True

0%Step 0 of 0

PROGRAM EXPLANATION

Algorithm and explanation

Import the required standard-library tools and prepare the sample data for check whether a file exists.
Perform the file operation using pathlib and exists().
Display the result for check whether a file exists and compare it with the documented sample output.

This example of check whether a file exists computes the result directly from the prepared sample data. It demonstrates pathlib and exists() and prints a deterministic result that can be checked against the sample output.

EFFICIENCY

Time and space complexity

Time complexity

O(n)

Auxiliary space

O(n)

DEBUGGING CHECKLIST

Common mistakes

Check this

For check whether a file exists, keep the data shape and value types consistent with pathlib.

Check this

Apply pathlib in the same order shown by the algorithm; changing the order can change the result.

Check this

Use the intended file mode and encoding, and let the context manager close the resource.

Try it yourself

Practice: Run the program with the sample input, predict its output, and then test one boundary case of your own.