Path.exists() vs Path.is_file()
Path.exists() and Path.is_file() are both Python Pathlib Module APIs, and choosing between them is a common point of confusion. This page compares their syntax, parameters, return values, and typical use cases so you can pick the right one. Path.exists(): Returns True if the path points to an existing file or directory. Its syntax is Path.exists(), and it returns boolean Path.is_file(): Returns True if the path points to a regular file. Its syntax is Path.is_file(), and it returns boolean Example of Path.exists(): Path("/tmp").exists() # True
Path("/nope").exists() # False. Example of Path.is_file(): Path("file.txt").is_file() # True
Path("/tmp").is_file() # False. Read the full references for Path.exists() and Path.is_file() to see parameters, edge cases, and example code side by side. Other Pathlib Module APIs worth comparing: pathlib.Path(), Path.is_dir(), Path.mkdir(), Path.read_text(), Path.write_text(), Path.read_bytes(). Both belong to the Pathlib Module category in the Python Reference documentation. Try both in the Python playground to see the behavioral difference live.