pathlib
Python's standard-library module for working with file and folder paths as objects.
pathlib represents a filesystem path as a Path object instead of a plain string. You build paths with the / operator (Path("data") / "file.txt") and read their parts with .name, .stem, and .suffix.
Because it behaves the same on Windows, macOS, and Linux, pathlib is the modern, cross-platform way to find, inspect, and rename files.
from pathlib import Path
p = Path("photos") / "vacation.JPG"
print(p.name)
print(p.suffix.lower())
Output
vacation.JPG .jpg
Where this shows up in real Python
pathlib is the backbone of file automation: finding, reading, writing, and renaming files without fragile string paths.
Commonly used pathlib tools
The Path object carries useful methods and properties:
Path('data') / 'in.csv'— join paths with /.exists()— does it exist.glob('*.txt')— find matching files.read_text() / .write_text()— read or write a whole file.suffix / .name / .parent— extension, filename, folder.mkdir(parents=True, exist_ok=True)— create folders safely
Official documentation: Python Library Reference: pathlib