To delete files in Python, we use the built-in os module which provides functions for interacting with the operating system.

Import os Module

import os

1. Delete a File

import os
if os.path.exists("demo.txt"):
   os.remove("demo.txt")
   print("File deleted successfully.")
else:
   print("File does not exist.")

Output (if file exists):

File deleted successfully.

Explanation:

• os.path.exists() checks if the file exists to prevent errors.
• os.remove() deletes the file.

2. What if File Doesn’t Exist?

import os
os.remove("nofile.txt")

Output (Error):

FileNotFoundError: [Errno 2] No such file or directory: 'nofile.txt'

Explanation:
Always check if a file exists before trying to delete it, or use try/except.

3. Handle Deletion Safely with Try-Except

import os
try:
   os.remove("demo.txt")
   print("File deleted.")
except FileNotFoundError:
   print("The file was not found.")
except PermissionError:
   print("Permission denied.")

Output:

The file was not found.

Explanation:
Use try/except to handle common errors like missing files or permission issues.

4. Delete All .txt Files in a Folder

import os
for file in os.listdir():
   if file.endswith(".txt"):
       os.remove(file)
       print(f"Deleted: {file}")

Sample Output:

Deleted: test1.txt
Deleted: notes.txt

Explanation:

• os.listdir() lists all files in the current directory.
• os.remove() deletes files that match a pattern.

Real-World Use Case: Cleanup Temporary Files

import os
def cleanup_temp_files(folder_path):
   for file in os.listdir(folder_path):
       if file.endswith(".tmp"):
           os.remove(os.path.join(folder_path, file))
           print(f"Deleted temp file: {file}")
cleanup_temp_files(".")

Explanation:
Helps keep your project folder clean by removing .tmp files created during processing.

Summary Table