Python File and Directory Renaming Using os.rename() with Best Examples 2025

👉Python File and Directory Renaming

Python File and Directory Renaming: Renaming files and directories in Python is simple with the os.rename() method. This method is part of Python’s built-in os module, designed to manage file operations effectively.

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👉1. What is os.rename()?

The os.rename() method allows you to rename files or directories by specifying the source (current file name) and destination (new file name).

👉Python File and Directory Renaming Syntax:

python

os.rename(src, dst)

👉Python File and Directory Renaming Parameters:

• src: The current name of the file or directory. The file must already exist.
• dst: The new name for the file or directory.

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👉2. Example: Renaming a File in Python

Let’s understand the process with a clear example.

👉Example Code:

python

import os

from os import path

def main():

    # Check if the file exists

    if path.exists(“Software Moji Moji.txt”):

        # Rename the file

        os.rename(‘Software Moji Moji.txt’, ‘career.Software Moji Moji.txt’)

        print(“File renamed successfully!”)

if __name__ == “__main__”:

    main()

👉Explanation:

✅ The code first checks if the file “Software Moji Moji.txt” exists.
✅ If the file is present, it renames it to “career.Software Moji Moji.txt” using os.rename().
✅ On successful execution, the new file name will appear in your directory.

👉Output:

arduino

File renamed successfully!

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👉3. Important Notes on os.rename()

✅ The source file (src) must exist; otherwise, the code will raise a FileNotFoundError.
✅ The destination (dst) must not exist; otherwise, Python will overwrite the existing file.
✅ Ensure you have the necessary permissions to modify the file or directory.

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👉4. Renaming a Directory Using os.rename()

The os.rename() method can also rename folders (directories) in Python.

👉Example Code for Directory Renaming:

python

import os

# Renaming a folder

os.rename(‘Old_Folder’, ‘New_Folder’)

print(“Directory renamed successfully!”)

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👉5. Error Handling for os.rename()

To avoid unexpected errors, use a try-except block for better control.

👉Example Code with Error Handling:

python

import os

try:

    os.rename(‘Old_File.txt’, ‘New_File.txt’)

    print(“File renamed successfully!”)

except FileNotFoundError:

    print(“Error: The specified file does not exist.”)

except PermissionError:

    print(“Error: Insufficient permissions to rename the file.”)

except Exception as e:

    print(f”An error occurred: {e}”)

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👉6. Summary

✅ Use os.rename() to efficiently rename files and directories.
✅ Handle errors using try-except to prevent unexpected issues.
✅ Ensure the source file exists and the destination file does not conflict with existing files.

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