[Error]’unicodeescape’ codec can’t decode bytes


2020-06-04 Python TroubleShooting

Problem

When I run the python code below, the error “SyntaxError: (unicode error) ‘unicodeescape’ codec can’t decode bytes in position 2-3” occurred.

import glob
import os

word = "single_post_title"
path = "C:\Users\USERNAME\Downloads\document"
files = glob.glob(path +'\**')
for f in files:
    print(f)

Environment

Windows10
Python 3.8.6

Cause of the error

The unicodeescape ‘\’ is used in path = “C:\Users\USERNAME\Downloads\document”. “\” is used as a part of escape sequences in Windows system.

Solution

Solution 1. Use “\\” to express “\” in string data

path = "C:\\Users\\USERNAME\\Downloads\\document"
files = glob.glob(path +'\\**')

Solution 2. Use “/” instead of “\”

path = "C:/Users/USERNAME/Downloads/document"
files = glob.glob(path +'/**')