Your first useful Python automation project

Learning note: This guide is educational and intended as a practical starting point. Interfaces, features and pricing can change; verify critical steps against official product documentation.

Set up Python

Install Python from python.org and verify your installation in a terminal with python --version or py --version.

Create a practice folder

Make a new folder with a few disposable sample files. Do not begin with important personal or work documents.

Run this read-only script

Save the example below as inventory.py, change the folder path, then run it. The script lists files without modifying them.

from pathlib import Path
folder = Path.home() / "Documents"
for item in folder.iterdir():
    if item.is_file():
        print(item.name)

Improve the result

Add file sizes and export the inventory to CSV. Keep read-only behavior until you have tested thoroughly.

Keep learning

Ready for the next topic? Browse the latest GenTekLearn guides or explore another learning path.