---
title: "system.file.getTempFile"
description: "Creates a new temp file on the host machine with a certain extension, returning the path to the file."
---

# system.file.getTempFile

> Creates a new temp file on the host machine with a certain extension, returning the path to the file.

This function is used in **Python Scripting**.

## Description
Creates a new temp file on the host machine with a certain extension, returning the path to the file. The file is marked to be removed when the Java VM exits.

:::note
This function is scoped for Perspective Sessions, but since all scripts in Perspective run on the Gateway, the file must be located on the Gateway's file system.
:::

## Client Permission Restrictions
This scripting function has no [Client Permission](../../../ignition-modules/vision/vision-project-properties/vision-project-properties.md#vision-permissions-properties) restrictions.

## Syntax
`system.file.getTempFile(extension)`

### Parameters
Type | Parameter | Description 
------- | ------- | ------
String | `extension` | An extension, like ".txt", to append to the end of the temporary file.

### Returns
**String** - The path to the newly created temp file.
 
### Scope
Gateway, Vision Client, Perspective Session

## Code Examples
```python title="Example #1"
# This code writes some data to a temporary file, and then opens that file.
# Assume that the data variable holds the contents of an Excel (xls) file.
  
filename = system.file.getTempFile("xls")
system.file.writeFile(filename, data)
system.net.openURL("file://" + filename)
```