Python pathlib.Path.rglob() Method: Usage and Examples

This Python tutorial explains pathlib.Path.rglob() Method: Usage and Examples. Follow the example, inspect the output, and practise an input change so you understand the behavior rather than simply copying the syntax.

What This Feature Does

Find matching files recursively with Path.rglob().

Path.rglob(pattern) is a recursive convenience method equivalent to Path.glob("**/" + pattern) for ordinary patterns. Search order is not guaranteed and large directory trees may take time to traverse.

When to Use It

This technique belongs to pathlib and file paths. It is useful when the input, operation and expected outcome are known. Start with a small controlled example before integrating it into a larger workflow.

Step-by-Step Python Example

Read the code once before running it. Notice which values are inputs, which function or method performs the work, and whether the result is returned or stored by changing an existing object.

from pathlib import Path
from tempfile import TemporaryDirectory

with TemporaryDirectory() as temporary_folder:
    root_folder = Path(temporary_folder)
    nested_folder = root_folder / "archive" / "2026"
    nested_folder.mkdir(parents=True)
    (nested_folder / "metrics.csv").touch()
    print(sorted(file_path.name for file_path in root_folder.rglob("*.csv")))

Understanding the Code

• First, the imports make pathlib, tempfile available. They provide the filesystem, data or standard-library functions used later.
• Find the call root_folder.rglob("*.csv"). Its parameters determine the specific operation demonstrated in the title.
• Its purpose is to find matching files recursively with path.rglob(). Compare this description against the result printed by the program.
• The sample uses TemporaryDirectory() so any practice files are removed after the context ends; it does not work on your real documents.
• The print() expressions display a checkable outcome. Print values and exception names are not substitutes for the program result itself.

Expected Output

['metrics.csv']

The output is the observable result of the sample operation. Compare its value and type with the explanation, not just whether the program runs.

Important Details and Edge Cases

Avoid assuming all paths are safe to open: file permissions and races still matter.

Before applying this to real documents, check whether the method reads data, creates a new file, moves it, or overwrites an existing file. Work in a disposable test directory first and handle OSError-related failures in applications.

Second Example: A Useful Variation

from pathlib import Path
from tempfile import TemporaryDirectory

with TemporaryDirectory() as directory_name:
    root_path = Path(directory_name)
    (root_path / 'one').mkdir()
    (root_path / 'one' / 'note.txt').write_text('A', encoding='utf-8')
    matches = sorted(path.relative_to(root_path).as_posix() for path in root_path.rglob('*.txt'))
    print(matches)

The recursive search finds a text file inside a nested folder. Sorting makes the displayed list predictable.

Variation Output

['one/note.txt']

Practice: Try It Yourself

Add files in two nested folders and match only *.log files.

Begin by copying the example into a separate practice file. Change one input at a time, run it again, and describe why the result changed. If the exercise writes or deletes files, keep it inside a temporary test folder.

Official Python Documentation

For the complete reference, see the Python standard library documentation.

Common Beginner Mistakes

• Assuming rglob() finds only direct children rather than descendants.
• Traversing an entire filesystem for a broad pattern without limiting the search root.
• Before applying this to real documents, check whether the method reads data, creates a new file, moves it, or overwrites an existing file. Work in a disposable test directory first and handle OSError-related failures in applications.

Key Takeaways

• Find matching files recursively with Path.rglob().
• Path.rglob(pattern) is a recursive convenience method equivalent to Path.glob("**/" + pattern) for ordinary patterns. Search order is not guaranteed and large directory trees may take time to traverse.
• Avoid this common pitfall: Assuming rglob() finds only direct children rather than descendants.