[Tutor] How to get script to detect whether a file exists?

[David Hutto]

On Tue, Aug 3, 2010 at 12:05 AM, David Hutto <smokefloat at gmail.com> wrote:
> On Mon, Aug 2, 2010 at 8:53 PM, Richard D. Moores <rdmoores at gmail.com> wrote:
>> On Mon, Aug 2, 2010 at 16:57, Steven D'Aprano <steve at pearwood.info> wrote:
>>>  # File *probably* doesn't exist. Consider better error checking.
>>
>> Steve, before I dig into your detailed reply, please tell me what you
>> meant by " # File *probably* doesn't exist. Consider better error
>> checking.".
>
>
> He was referring to the uncertainty principle that applies to all man
> and life, ain't that right stephan?...*wink*, *wink*, *nudge*,
> *nudge*.
>>
>> Context was
>>
>> def load(path):
>>   """Open file given by path if it exists, and return its contents.
>>   If it doesn't exist, save and return the default contents.
>>   """
>>   try:
>>       f = open(path, 'r')
>>   except IOError:
>>       # File *probably* doesn't exist. Consider better error checking.
>>       data = []
>>       save(path, data)
>>   else:
>>       data = pickle.load(f)
>>       f.close()
>>   return data
>>
>> Dick
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I know that sometimes, in the darkof night, i say  stephan of oracle
eternance, please impart to me thy wisdom. And stephan answers with
bowels in hand, and relevance upon his tongue he delivers our saving
grace.