Automating File Transfers: Detecting USB Drives and Copying Files
Have you ever found yourself manually copying files from a USB drive to your computer, wishing there was a simpler way? This article will walk you through creating a Python script that automatically detects USB drive insertion and copies files from the drive to your computer.
The Scenario: Streamlining File Transfers
Imagine you regularly receive data on USB drives, but the process of manually plugging in the drive, opening folders, and copying files feels repetitive and time-consuming. This script will automate this process, making file transfers more efficient and less prone to errors.
The Script: Detecting USB Drives and Copying Files
import os
import time
import shutil
def copy_files_from_usb(source_path, destination_path):
"""Copies files from the specified source path (USB drive) to the destination path."""
for filename in os.listdir(source_path):
source_file = os.path.join(source_path, filename)
destination_file = os.path.join(destination_path, filename)
if os.path.isfile(source_file):
shutil.copy2(source_file, destination_file)
def detect_usb_drive():
"""Detects USB drive insertion by monitoring changes in drive list."""
drives = []
while True:
current_drives = [drive for drive in os.listdir('/sys/block') if 'sd' in drive]
if current_drives != drives:
drives = current_drives
for drive in drives:
# Get the mount point for the USB drive
mount_point = os.popen(f"sudo mount | grep /dev/{drive}").read().split()[2]
print(f"USB drive detected: {drive}, mounted at: {mount_point}")
copy_files_from_usb(mount_point, '/path/to/your/destination/folder')
time.sleep(1) # Check for changes every second
if __name__ == "__main__":
detect_usb_drive()
Explanation:
- Imports: The script uses
osfor system interactions,timefor delays, andshutilfor file copying. copy_files_from_usb(): This function takes the source path (USB drive) and destination path as arguments and copies all files from the source to the destination, preserving file permissions and timestamps usingshutil.copy2.detect_usb_drive(): This function constantly monitors/sys/blockfor changes in drive listings. It identifies newly connected USB drives (those with "sd" in their name) and uses themountcommand to determine the mount point for the drive. Once the mount point is found, thecopy_files_from_usb()function is called to copy files.- Main Execution: The
if __name__ == "__main__":block ensures that thedetect_usb_drive()function runs only when the script is executed directly, not when imported as a module.
Important Considerations:
- Permissions: The script requires root access to read the
/sys/blockdirectory and to execute themountcommand. You might need to run the script as root or usingsudo. - File Filtering: The script currently copies all files from the USB drive. You can add logic within the
copy_files_from_usb()function to selectively copy files based on their extension or other criteria. - Error Handling: The script doesn't handle potential errors like drive unmounting during the copying process. Implement appropriate error handling mechanisms to gracefully manage these situations.
Additional Value:
- Customization: You can modify the destination path to suit your needs and adapt the file filtering logic for specific file types.
- Cross-Platform: This basic script can be adapted for other operating systems with necessary modifications.
References:
By implementing this script, you can automate file transfer from USB drives, saving time and effort in your daily tasks. Remember to test the script thoroughly and adjust it according to your specific requirements.
