← Errors
PermissionError is raised when trying to perform a file or directory operation without the required permissions. It is a subclass of OSError with errno set to EACCES or EPERM. This typically happens when a non-root process tries to access restricted system files.
Why it happens
- •Writing to a file owned by another user or root without write permission.
- •Reading a file with mode 000 or otherwise restricted access.
- •Trying to bind to a privileged port (below 1024) without elevated rights.
- •Deleting a file in a directory where the current user lacks write permission.
Examples
Python
Code that triggers the error
with open("/etc/passwd", "w") as f:
f.write("hacked")Error output
PermissionError: [Errno 13] Permission denied: '/etc/passwd'
How to fix it
Check file permissions with ls -l or Path.stat() before operating. Run the process with appropriate privileges if truly needed. Prefer writing to user-owned directories like the home directory or a temp folder.
Fixed code
import os
from pathlib import Path
target = Path("output.txt")
try:
target.write_text("data")
except PermissionError as e:
print(f"Cannot write: {e}")Related errors
Ready to practice your English at work?
Lingua-e has interactive exercises built around real developer conversations: standups, code reviews, retrospectives, and more. Practice until it comes naturally.
Try Lingua-e for free