Is there a version of os.getcwd() that doesn't dereference symlinks?

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How to get/set logical directory path in python

I have a Python script that I run from a symlinked directory, and I call os.getcwd() in it, expecting to get the symlinked path I ran it from. Instead it gives me the "real" path, and in this case that's not helpful. I need it to actually give me the symlinked version.

Does Python have a command for that?

score 17 · Accepted Answer · answered Oct 09 '09 at 09:35

17

Workaround: os.getenv('PWD')

answered Oct 09 '09 at 09:35

richq

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Note that the `PWD` environment variable isn't updated by `os.chdir()`, so it can be inconsistent with `os.getcwd()` even when there are no symlinks at all. – Mr Fooz May 27 '16 at 22:32

score 13 · Answer 2 · answered Oct 09 '09 at 20:15

In general this is not possible. os.getcwd() calls getcwd(3), and according to POSIX.1-2008 (IEEE Std 1003.1-2008):

The pathname shall contain no components that are dot or dot-dot, or are symbolic links.

os.getenv['PWD'] is shell-dependent and will not work for example with sh from FreeBSD.

Is there a version of os.getcwd() that doesn't dereference symlinks?

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