How to Move Files in Python: `os.rename()`, `os.replace()`, or `shutil.move()`?

Moving Files in Python: The Equivalent of mv

Python offers several functions to accomplish the task of moving a file, akin to the mv command in the terminal. These functions include os.rename(), os.replace(), and shutil.move().

Function Syntax

All three functions employ the same syntax:

os.rename("path/to/current/file.foo", "path/to/new/destination/for/file.foo")
os.replace("path/to/current/file.foo", "path/to/new/destination/for/file.foo")
shutil.move("path/to/current/file.foo", "path/to/new/destination/for/file.foo")

Key Considerations

• The filename ("file.foo") must be included in both the source and destination arguments. If it differs, the file will be renamed and moved.
• The directory for the new file must exist beforehand.
• On Windows, a file with the intended name must not exist when using os.rename(), or an exception will occur. os.replace(), however, will overwrite existing files without prompting.
• shutil.move typically delegates the task to os.rename(). If the source and destination are on different disks, it copies the file and deletes the original instead.

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