Скачать или смотреть How to Fix PyCharm's FileNotFoundError When Accessing a .txt File

Discover how to resolve PyCharm's inability to find a `.txt` file by adjusting your working directory settings.
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Troubleshooting PyCharm's FileNotFoundError for .txt Files

As a new programmer, running into errors can be frustrating, especially when everything seems to be in place. One common issue experienced by many Python beginners while using PyCharm is the inability to access a .txt file that's supposedly located in the same directory as your script. If you've run into this error, you’re not alone! In this guide, we'll explore why you might see the “FileNotFoundError” message when trying to read a simple text file and provide you with a clear solution to resolve this issue.

Understanding the Problem

When you try to read a .txt file in your Python program with the following code:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

You might encounter an error message like this:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

This means that Python cannot locate the passwords.txt file where it expects it to be, even if it's in the same folder as your Python script. So, what gives?

Why Is PyCharm Unable to Find the File?

Working Directory Matters

The key aspect to understand is that when you run a Python script, the file path is resolved relative to the working directory, not necessarily the folder where your script is located. This means that PyCharm may not be using the directory where your Python file resides as its working directory, leading to the FileNotFoundError you encountered.

The Difference with Absolute Paths

Using an absolute path like this:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

works perfectly because it provides the complete location of the file, thus eliminating any ambiguity regarding the working directory. However, hardcoding paths can be cumbersome and less portable, especially if the project is moved to another location.

How to Fix the Issue: Changing the Working Directory

To resolve this, you need to set the working directory to the folder containing your script. Here’s how you can do it in PyCharm:

Step-by-Step Guide

Open Run/Debug Configurations:

Go to the top menu of PyCharm and click on Run.

Select Edit Configurations... from the dropdown menu.

Select Your Script:

In the configurations window, find your script under the Python section (usually named after your script).

Set the Working Directory:

Look for the Working directory field.

Change this field to point to the folder where your script (password.py) and the text file (passwords.txt) are located. In your case, it should be: C:/Users/User/PycharmProjects/password_test/.

Apply Changes:

Click OK to save your changes.

Checking Your Setup

After updating the working directory, try running your script again. It should now correctly find and read the passwords.txt file without any errors.

Conclusion

By setting the correct working directory in PyCharm, you can easily resolve the annoying FileNotFoundError. Always remember that in programming, the path from where your code runs is critical, and small oversights like these can lead to confusion. If you need to manipulate file paths frequently, consider learning more about Python's os module, which can make handling paths simpler and more dynamic. Happy coding!