How to Efficiently Move Files in Python: The Equivalent of Linux's `mv` Command?

File Movement in Python: The Linux mv Command Equivalent

In Linux, the mv command provides an efficient way to move files. In Python, you can use os.rename(), os.replace(), or shutil.move() to perform a similar function:

import os
import shutil

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")

These methods adhere to the following syntax and guidelines:

• File Inclusion: The filename ("file.foo") must be specified in both source and destination arguments. Any variation will rename the file during the move.
• Directory Preparation: Ensure the destination directory exists before moving the file.
• Existence Check: On Windows, a file with the same name as the destination cannot exist, or an exception will be thrown. However, os.replace() silently replaces existing files.
• Cross-Disk Copy: shutil.move typically calls os.rename, but it copies and deletes the source file if the destination is on a separate disk.

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