file.close() Close file
Last updated: 2026-09-22
file.close() Close file
file.close() closes the file and releases system resources.
| Category | File Methods |
|---|---|
| Kind | Built-in Type Method |
| Python Version | all |
📝 Syntax
file.close()Returns：None. Closes the file and releases system resources.
Mutates the original：No (returns a new object)
💥 Raises
OSError— Raised on I/O errors, e.g. when flushing buffered data fails.
▶ Example
Edit the code, press Run, and see the result in the output panel:
Output：
True💡 Related Cases
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❓ FAQ
QCan the file still be read or written after closing?
ANo; doing so raises ValueError: I/O operation on closed file.
QWhat happens when close() is called repeatedly?
AIt does not raise an error; the second and later calls are no-ops (close() is idempotent).
QMust close() be called manually?
AIt is recommended to use the with open(...) as f: statement, which closes automatically when the block exits and also guarantees closing on exceptions. Forgetting to close may lose data or exhaust file handles.
QWhat are the consequences of not calling close()?
AWrite buffers may not be flushed to disk, and file handles may leak (opening too many files reports "Too many open files").
