What is the os.close() method in Python?

Overview

Python’s os.close() method closes a given file descriptor.

A file descriptor refers to a number that identifies an open file uniquely. It performs various I/O operations like writing and reading.

Syntax

os.close(fileDescriptor)

Parameter

This method accepts the following parameter:

  • fileDescriptor: This is the descriptor of the file that is to be closed.

Example

Let’s look at an example of the os.close() method in the code snippet below:

main.py
demo.txt
# import os module
import os
# file path
filePath = 'demo.txt'
# using os.open() to open the file
# and create its file descriptor
fileDescriptor = os.open(filePath, os.O_RDWR)
#
## some I/O operations
#
# using os.close() to close the file descriptor
os.close(fileDescriptor)

Explanation

  • Line 2: We import the os module.
  • Line 5: We declare a variable, filePath, containing the file path.
  • Line 9: We use the os.open() method to open the file and create its file descriptor.
  • Line 16: We use the os.close() method to close the file descriptor.

The specified file descriptor will be closed after using this method.

Free AI Mock Interviews
Coding Interview
Coding PatternsFree Interview
Gain insights and practical experience with coding patterns through targeted MCQs and coding problems, designed to match and challenge your expertise level.
System Design
You TubeFree Interview
Learn to design a video streaming platform like YouTube by tackling functional and non-functional requirements, core components, and high-level to detailed design challenges.

Free Resources

License: Creative Commons-Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 (CC-BY-SA 4.0)