Rename python tempfile

Question

What is the way to rename the following tempfile

pdf = render_me_some_pdf() #PDF RENDER
f = tempfile.NamedTemporaryFile()
f.write(pdf)
f.flush()

I read somethings about os.rename but I don't really now how to apply it

Answer 1

The best way is copying the file and letting python delete the temporary one when it's closed:

I actually think you would be better off using os.link:

with tempfile.NamedTemporaryFile(dir=os.path.dirname(actual_name)) as f:
  f.write(pdf)
  os.link(f.name, actual_name)

This uses os.link to create a hard link to the temporary file, which will persist after the temporary file is automatically deleted.

This code has several advantages:

• We're using the tempfile object as a context manager, so we don't need to worry about closing it explicitly.
• Since we're creating a hardlink to the file, rather than copying it, we don't need to worry about disk space or time consumption due to copying a large file.
• Since we're not copying the data, we don't need to call f.flush(). The file will be flushed automatically when it's closed.

Answer 2

You can access the filename via f.name. However, unless you use delete=False python will (try to) delete the temporary file automatically as soon as it is closed. Disabling auto deletion will keep the tempfile even if you do not save it - so that's not such a good idea.

The best way is copying the file and letting python delete the temporary one when it's closed:

import shutil
shutil.copy(f.name, 'new-name')