Invalid syntax in Python when trying to use mkdir

Question

I'm trying to learn Python from a tutorial. I'm supposed to create a folder using mkdir, but when I try that, I see this result:

> python
Python 2.7.6 (default, Nov 10 2013, 19:24:18) [MSC v.1500 32 bit (Intel)] on win32
Type "help", "copyright", "credits" or "license" for more information. 
>>> mkdir mystuff
  File "<stdin>", line 1
    mkdir mystuff
                ^
SyntaxError: invalid syntax

I couldn't figure this out from the tutorial. What is wrong here, and how do I fix it?

This is functionally the same problem as [Why does "pip install" inside Python raise a SyntaxError?](https://stackoverflow.com/questions/8548030), but that question was asked narrowly (and attracted some answers that missed the point or buried the lede). — Karl Knechtel, Jan 25 '23 at 18:18

score 5 · Answer 1 · edited Jan 25 '23 at 18:39

5

The command mkdir mystuff needs to be used from the system command line, not Python.

edited Jan 25 '23 at 18:39

Karl Knechtel

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answered Apr 17 '14 at 02:28

user2357112

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score 2 · Answer 2 · edited Jan 25 '23 at 18:35

2

To create a new folder from within Python, use:

import os
os.mkdir(path)

To run the shell command from within Python, use:

os.system('mkdir path')

edited Jan 25 '23 at 18:35

Karl Knechtel

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answered Apr 17 '14 at 03:01

PYPL

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score 1 · Answer 3 · edited Jan 25 '23 at 18:38

Before running the mkdir command, press Ctrl+Z to exit Python. It should look like this:

> python
ActivePython 2.6.5.12 (ActiveState Software Inc.) based on
Python 2.6.5 (r265:79063, Mar 20 2010, 14:22:52) [MSC v.1500 32 bit (Intel)] 
on win32
Type "help", "copyright", "credits" or "license" for more information.
>>> ^Z
> mkdir mystuff
> cd mystuff

The screen will display ^Z to indicate that Ctrl+Z was pressed.

score 1 · Answer 4 · edited Jan 25 '23 at 18:40

1

Exit from Python first by typing quit() and pressing the Enter key, and then use the mkdir mystuff command. This command should be used outside of python.

edited Jan 25 '23 at 18:40

Karl Knechtel

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answered Jun 30 '18 at 08:31

user10014056

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score -1 · Answer 5 · edited Jan 25 '23 at 18:25

-1

mkdir is used at the command line to make a directory (folder). For example, mkdir mystuff makes a directory named mystuff.

This needs to be run with the command line, not python.

edited Jan 25 '23 at 18:25

Karl Knechtel

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answered Apr 17 '14 at 02:37

bezzoon

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Invalid syntax in Python when trying to use mkdir

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