How to download a file using Python

Question

I tried to download something from the Internet using Python, I am using urllib.retriever from the urllib module but I just can't get it work. I would like to be able to save the downloaded file to a location of my choice. If someone could explain to me how to do it with clear examples, that would be VERY appreciated.

Does this answer your question? Download file from web in Python 3 — ggorlen
– ggorlen, Commented Feb 1, 2021 at 14:34

chown · Accepted Answer · 2011-11-14 02:33:02Z

7

I suggest using urllib2 like so:

source = urllib2.urlopen("http://someUrl.com/somePage.html").read()
open("/path/to/someFile", "wb").write(source)

You could even shorten it to (although, you wouldnt want to shorten it if you plan to enclose each individual call in a try - except):

open("/path/to/someFile", "wb").write(urllib2.urlopen("http://someUrl.com/somePage.html").read())

edited Nov 14, 2011 at 2:33

answered Nov 14, 2011 at 2:24

chown

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3 Comments

icktoofay Over a year ago

You might consider using "wb" rather than "w" in case the downloaded file is binary.

user1044824 Over a year ago

Thanks it working very well, now I just have to understand why exactly. =)

chown Over a year ago

@user which part doesnt make sense? Ill try to explain more if possible.

ntk4 · Accepted Answer · 2015-10-09 02:13:38Z

1

You can also use the urllib:

source = urllib.request.urlopen(("full_url")).read()

and then use what chown used above:

open("/path/to/someFile", "wb").write(source)

answered Oct 9, 2015 at 2:13

ntk4

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