Python os.path.lexists() Method

The lexists() method belongs to the os.path module, a set of utilities to work with file system paths. The lexists() method verifies if a path exists or not.

Syntax of Python os.path.lexists()

os.path.lexists(path)

Parameters

Returns

The lexists() method returns a Boolean value. If the path is valid or a symbolic link, even if it is broken, it returns True.

On the contrary, it returns False for every invalid path.

Example Codes: Use of Python os.path.lexists() Method

Before we proceed, create a file, data.txt, in the current working directory and add some random information to it. Also, create a soft link or symbolic link to it using the ln command.

Use the following command in case you are not familiar with it.

ln -s 'data.txt' 'data-symlink.txt'

Symbolic Link to a Resource

from os.path import lexists

path = "/home/user/documents/files/data-symlink.txt"
print(lexists(path))

Output:

True

Since this symbolic link exists and we have provided a genuine path, the lexists() method returns True.

Path to a Resource

from os.path import lexists

path = "/home/user/documents/files/data.txt"
print(lexists(path))

Output:

True

Since this file exists and we have provided a genuine path, the lexists() method returns True.

Invalid Path to a Resource

from os.path import lexists

path = "/home/user/documents/somthing.txt"
print(lexists(path))

Output:

False

Since somthing.txt doesn’t exist, the lexists() method returns False.

On some operating systems, this method is analogous to the exists() method, which also belongs to the os.path module.