How to Check and Move Files in Python with Dynamic Names Using os.path.exists and shutil.move

Learn how to handle files with dynamic names effectively in Python using wildcards with `os.path.exists` and `shutil.move`.
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Handling Files with Dynamic Names in Python

When working with files in Python, you may encounter scenarios where file names change dynamically—often due to timestamps, user inputs, or other variations. A common task is to check if such a file exists and then move it to a new location. This guide will guide you on how to match and manipulate files with changing names using Python's os and shutil libraries.

The Problem

Consider the situation where you need to check for the existence of a file named FD 464738 - DailyReport.xlsx. The challenge is that the number (in this case, 464738) changes each time the file is generated. Using a hardcoded filename to search for the file will not work, and employing wildcards (like *) directly might not give the desired results.

Here is the initial code intended to check for the file and move it:

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

Why the Existing Code Fails

Hardcoded filename: The existing code is looking for a specific filename, which may not exist due to the dynamic nature of the file name.

Wildcard limitations in os.path: Simply replacing the number portion with a wildcard does not provide a straightforward method to check for file existence in this context.

The Solution

To address this issue, we can make use of the pathlib module, which supports advanced file searching capabilities. By utilizing the glob function, we can effectively search for files matching a specific pattern. Here’s an improved version of the code:

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

Breaking Down the Solution

Using pathlib.Path: The pathlib module provides an object-oriented interface to manage filesystem paths. By creating a Path object for the downloads directory, we can facilitate file searching.

The glob Function:

This function allows you to find files matching a specified pattern (in this case, FD * - DailyReport.xlsx). The * acts as a placeholder for any number of characters, allowing us to match files with changing numbers or characters.

While Loop for Checking File Existence:

The loop continues to check for the presence of any files matching the pattern, pausing for one second between checks. This will prevent your script from consuming too many resources while waiting.

Moving the File:

Once a matching file is found, it’s moved to a new location with a new name. Adjust the destination path or naming convention as required.

Final Thoughts

This approach offers a flexible way to manage files with dynamic names in Python. By using pathlib and the glob function, you can easily find and manipulate files without needing to hardcode specific names. Remember, adapting your code to handle dynamic elements is crucial when dealing with varying datasets or user-generated files.

Feel free to test this code snippet in your own projects, and see how it handles your specific file management tasks!