My first Python script deleted a folder I needed

I was in my project folder on my laptop, trying to automate cleaning up some files. I wrote a script to delete files ending in .tmp, but I used os.remove() on a folder by mistake. It wiped my 'assets' folder instantly. Has anyone found a good way to test delete commands safely before running them for real?

2 comments

2 Comments

skylerc8614d agoTop Commenter

Saw a tip to always print the file list first with a dry run flag. I set up a test folder with dummy files now before any delete script runs for real.

claireg8114d ago

Honestly I just run the real command and pay attention. All that dry run stuff @skylerc86 mentioned just adds extra steps that can still go wrong. If you're careful with your path and double-check the line, it's fine.