Python OS Module – Complete Guide for File & Folder Automation

22 Jan 2026

Python OS Module – Most Needful Practical Examples

These are the most important OS module programs every student must know for real automation.


1. Get Current Working Directory

Used to know where your Python program is running.

import os
print(os.getcwd())

Why needed:

Helps avoid path errors while reading or writing files.

2. Change Working Directory

Move Python execution to another folder.

import os
os.chdir("D:/PythonProjects")
print(os.getcwd())

Why needed:

Used in automation scripts where files are in different folders.

3. Create a Folder

import os
os.mkdir("Reports")

Why needed:

Automatically create folders for storing outputs.

4. Create Multiple Folders

import os
folders = ["Data", "Images", "Docs"]

for f in folders:
    os.mkdir(f)

Why needed:

Creates project structure automatically.

5. Check File or Folder Exists

import os

if os.path.exists("Data"):
    print("Exists")
else:
    print("Not Exists")

Why needed:

Prevents errors before deleting or renaming files.

6. List Files and Folders

import os
print(os.listdir())

Why needed:

Used in file scanning and automation.

7. Rename File or Folder

import os
os.rename("Data", "ProjectData")

Why needed:

Used in organizing files automatically.

8. Delete File

import os
os.remove("sample.txt")

Why needed:

Used in cleaning unwanted files.

9. Delete Empty Folder

import os
os.rmdir("OldReports")

Why needed:

Removes unused folders automatically.

10. Join File Paths Safely

import os
path = os.path.join("Data", "report.txt")
print(path)

Why needed:

Avoids errors between Windows and Linux path formats.

11. Get File Size

import os
print(os.path.getsize("report.txt"))

Why needed:

Used in upload validation and storage management.

12. Scan Folder Completely

import os

for root, folders, files in os.walk("D:/Projects"):
    print(root, files)

Why needed:

Used in search engines and backup systems.

13. Find Specific Files

import os

for root, folders, files in os.walk("D:/Projects"):
    for file in files:
        if file.endswith(".pdf"):
            print(os.path.join(root, file))

Why needed:

Used in document management systems.

14. Automatically Delete Old Files

import os, time

folder = "D:/Temp"
now = time.time()

for file in os.listdir(folder):
    path = os.path.join(folder, file)
    if os.stat(path).st_mtime < now - 7*86400:
        os.remove(path)

Why needed:

Used in log cleaners and system maintenance.

15. Real Automation Example – Student Folder Creator

import os

students = ["Ravi", "Priya", "Kumar"]

for name in students:
    if not os.path.exists(name):
        os.mkdir(name)

Why needed:

Used in schools, colleges and training institutes.

Best Practices for Students

  • Always check file or folder exists before deleting
  • Never test delete programs in system folders
  • Use sample folders for practice
  • Use os.path.join for file paths
  • Keep automation scripts simple and safe

Summary

These OS module examples are the most required for real Python automation.

Every student must practice these before learning advanced automation libraries.