Resolving FileNotFoundError: How to Read Files in Python with VS Code

A guide to troubleshooting `FileNotFoundError` in Python when trying to read files in VS Code. Learn how to accurately specify file paths and avoid common mistakes.
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This video is based on the question https://stackoverflow.com/q/77748605/ asked by the user 'Maria' ( https://stackoverflow.com/u/22935093/ ) and on the answer https://stackoverflow.com/a/77748978/ provided by the user 'user16171413' ( https://stackoverflow.com/u/16171413/ ) at 'Stack Overflow' website. Thanks to these great users and Stackexchange community for their contributions.

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Resolving FileNotFoundError: How to Read Files in Python with VS Code

If you're a beginner in Python and using Visual Studio Code (VS Code), you may encounter the dreaded FileNotFoundError. This can be particularly frustrating when you are certain that your text file, such as DOB.txt, is in the correct directory. In this guide, we will explore the common causes of this error and provide you with step-by-step solutions to effectively resolve it.

Understanding the Problem

You attempt to read from a text file using the following code:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

When running this code, you see an error message stating:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

At a glance, it seems like the file should be accessible since it's located in the same folder as your Python script. So, what could be going wrong? The answer often lies in the file path or directory setup.

Potential Causes of the Error

Incorrect File Path: The code is unable to locate DOB.txt using the relative path provided. It may be that the working directory in VS Code is not what you expect.

Naming Confusion: You might be confusing the names of your files and directories. For instance, ensure you are not thinking of your directory as having a ".py" extension.

Working Directory: The script’s running context may not match where you think it is running.

How to Fix FileNotFoundError

Step 1: Verify Your File Path

One of the simplest solutions is to double-check the actual path to your DOB.txt file. Here's what you should do:

Navigate to the location of DOB.txt in your file explorer.

Copy the full path to the file.

For example, if your DOB.txt is in a specific folder on your Desktop, make sure the path looks something like this:

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Step 2: Using the Absolute Path

To avoid ambiguity, you might want to use the absolute path in your code:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

If you have saved DOB.txt directly on your Desktop, your code should look like this instead:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

Step 3: Check for Issues with OneDrive

If your Desktop is part of OneDrive, ensure it is synced correctly. Sometimes, files can be present in the cloud but not on your local machine.

Further Debugging Tips

Print Your Current Working Directory: You can add this line to check where Python is looking for files:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

Reorganize Your Project: Sometimes, it may help to keep all your project files organized in a single directory. This way, you can avoid path-related errors.

Conclusion

Debugging FileNotFoundError can be tricky for new programmers. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can quickly resolve the issue of reading files in Python using VS Code. Remember to always check your file paths and verify the current working directory to avoid getting stuck.

Now, go ahead, test your updated code, and you should be able to read your DOB.txt file without any issues!