How to do atomic file replacement?

Question

What's the recommended way to replace a file atomically in Python?

i.e. if the Python script is interrupted, there is a power outage etc. files do not have a high probability of ending up in an inconsistent state (half written to the disk).

A solution for Linux/UNIX platforms is preferred.

(I know getting 100% atomic operations might depend on your file system, but at least make the chances for the corruption low.)

The answer would probably involve creating temporary files (on the same partition) and removing the existing target too — Mikko Ohtamaa, Oct 04 '11 at 08:51
This is not a duplicate and has a much simpler answer than the question linked to, please reopen. — Gringo Suave, Jun 01 '22 at 16:46

score 16 · Accepted Answer · answered Oct 04 '11 at 08:53

16

Create a new file and os.rename() it over the existing file. This is atomic on most platforms under most conditions.

answered Oct 04 '11 at 08:53

Sjoerd

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`os.replace()` is atomic on ALL platforms under most conditions. – cowlinator Dec 15 '21 at 04:17

How to do atomic file replacement?

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