This Python tutorial explains glob.glob() Function: 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
Match filenames with wildcards using glob.glob().
glob.glob(pattern, recursive=False) returns a list of matching paths. Use * for filename groups and ** with recursive=True for nested matching. Output order is not guaranteed.
When to Use It
This technique belongs to file copying, temporary files and matching. 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.
import glob
from pathlib import Path
from tempfile import TemporaryDirectory
with TemporaryDirectory() as temporary_folder:
root_folder = Path(temporary_folder)
(root_folder / "spring.csv").touch()
(root_folder / "winter.txt").touch()
print(sorted(Path(found).name for found in glob.glob(str(root_folder / "*.csv"))))Understanding the Code
- First, the imports make glob, pathlib, tempfile available. They provide the filesystem, data or standard-library functions used later.
- Find the call glob.glob(str(root_folder / "*.csv")). Its parameters determine the specific operation demonstrated in the title.
- Its purpose is to match filenames with wildcards using glob.glob(). 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
['spring.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
Path.glob() yields Path objects, useful when your code already uses pathlib.
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.
Practice: Try It Yourself
Match only the CSV files in a disposable directory.
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 matches are sorted or will always be produced in the same order.
- Expecting ** to recurse without enabling recursive=True for glob.glob().
- 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
- Match filenames with wildcards using glob.glob().
- glob.glob(pattern, recursive=False) returns a list of matching paths. Use * for filename groups and ** with recursive=True for nested matching. Output order is not guaranteed.
- Avoid this common pitfall: Assuming matches are sorted or will always be produced in the same order.