Make Directory in Python Using os.makedirs()

How to Make Directory in Python Using os.makedirs() (2025)

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Creating directories programmatically is a common and essential task in many Python applications — from organizing output files and saving logs to preparing environments for data storage or project deployment.

In Python, the process of making a directory (or multiple directories) is made simple and efficient using the built-in os module, particularly the os.makedirs() function.

This function not only allows you to create a single directory but also automatically creates any necessary intermediate-level folders along the specified path.

It mirrors the functionality of the mkdir -p command in Unix-like systems, making it ideal for scripting and automation.

What makes os.makedirs() especially powerful is its flexibility: with optional parameters like exist_ok, you can control whether it raises an error if the directory already exists, and with mode, you can specify custom file permissions upon creation.

Overall, Python’s directory creation tools are robust and developer-friendly, helping streamline file system operations with minimal code and maximum control — a core part of writing efficient, reliable Python scripts for both simple and large-scale projects.

What is os.makedirs() in Python?

Python’s os.makedirs() is a function in the os module that allows you to create a directory — and any necessary parent directories — in one go.

Think of it like mkdir -p in Unix/Linux.

This is especially useful when you’re working with nested folder structures and want to avoid checking if each level exists manually.

				
					os.makedirs(name, mode=0o777, exist_ok=False)

  • name: The directory path you want to create.

  • mode (optional): The permission mode (defaults to 0o777).

  • exist_ok (optional): If set to True, it won’t raise an error if the directory already exists.

Basic Example: Creating a Single Directory

				
					import os

os.makedirs("my_new_folder")

This will create a folder named my_new_folder in the current working directory.

Creating Nested Directories

				
					import os

os.makedirs("projects/2025/python/scripts")

This will create all missing folders in the path:
projects → 2025 → python → scripts

You don’t have to manually check or create each one. Python handles that for you.

Handling Existing Directories with exist_ok=True

If you run os.makedirs() for a directory that already exists, Python will throw a FileExistsError by default. To avoid this:

				
					import os

os.makedirs("projects/2025/python/scripts", exist_ok=True)

This way, the script won’t break if the directory already exists.

Setting Directory Permissions

You can define permissions using the mode parameter.

				
					import os

os.makedirs("secure_folder", mode=0o755, exist_ok=True)

  • 0o755 allows the owner to read/write/execute, and others to read/execute.

  • Make sure you understand Linux/Unix file permission octals before using custom modes.

 Real-World Use Case: Saving Logs

				
					import os
from datetime import datetime

log_dir = f"logs/{datetime.now().strftime('%Y/%m/%d')}"
os.makedirs(log_dir, exist_ok=True)

with open(f"{log_dir}/log.txt", "w") as f:
    f.write("This is a sample log entry.")

This script creates a dated folder structure and writes a log file. Useful for daily logging in production systems.

Best Practices

✅ Do❌ Avoid
Use exist_ok=True in most casesManually checking if the path exists
Log or handle exceptionsAssuming directories always create successfully
Keep paths OS-independent with os.path.join()Hardcoding paths like "C:/path/..."

Troubleshooting Common Errors

ErrorReasonSolution
FileExistsErrorDirectory already existsSet exist_ok=True
PermissionErrorNo write permission in the target locationRun script with proper permissions
OSError: [Errno 2]Part of the path is invalidDouble-check the full directory path

Conclusion

Using os.makedirs() in Python is a reliable and efficient way to work with file systems. Whether you’re building a data pipeline, setting up log folders, or organizing assets in a project, this function can simplify your workflow significantly.

It’s just one example of how Python’s standard library can help automate common tasks without the need for external dependencies.

Bonus: Use pathlib for Modern Path Handling

				
					from pathlib import Path

Path("projects/2025/python/scripts").mkdir(parents=True, exist_ok=True)

pathlib is a more modern, object-oriented alternative to os.

TL;DR

  • os.makedirs() creates nested directories

  • Use exist_ok=True to avoid errors

  • Combine with datetime, os.path.join(), or pathlib for best results

Have Questions?

Drop a comment below or reach out via our contact page if you’re building a project and want help with directory structures, file handling, or automation scripts in Python.

People also ask

What is the difference between mkdir and makedirs?

The key difference lies in how deeply they create directories:

  • os.mkdir(path) creates a single directory. If any part of the path (like parent folders) doesn’t exist, it raises an error.

  • os.makedirs(path) creates the entire directory tree, including all necessary parent folders. It’s like doing mkdir -p in Unix.

The os.mkdir() function in Python is used to create a single directory at the specified path. It requires that the parent directory already exists; otherwise, it will raise a FileNotFoundError.

📌 Syntax:

os.mkdir("new_folder")

os is not a function, but a built-in module in Python that provides a way to interact with the operating system. It lets your Python programs:

  • Work with file systems (create, rename, delete files and folders)

  • Access environment variables

  • Handle paths

  • Perform OS-level tasks (e.g., running system commands)

📌 Example uses:

import os os.name # Returns the name of the OS ('posix', 'nt', etc.) os.getcwd() # Gets current working directory os.listdir() # Lists files in a directory

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