Working with Text Files in Python: The Basics

Working with Text Files in Python The Basics

We’re going to learn the fundamentals of operating with text files in Python Training. What is the significance of Python file handling? And how to read files, how to write data to them, and why files should be locked.

1) Importance of reading and writing text files. 

Reading and writing files in any programming language is a key function. Without it, all variables and data are stored in volatile memory (RAM) which is lost whenever the computer machine is shut down or the program finishes. If you save data to a secure file, you can restore at a later date without even any concern.

2) Difference between a binary file and a text file.

There are two different file types: binary and text files. Understanding the distinction between the two is essential because of the way they are treated. Almost all of the files we are using on our regular Computer machine are binary files. They have various extensions such as.doc,.jpg,.png,.pdf,.xlsx,.gif, etc. so that they are consistent with their respective software.

But, the text file has no specific encoding and can be opened by any text editor. These files store data and that data is organized by lines, each line is distinct of the element.

  1. Opening a text file

In python, we will open a text file using the in-built function (). This command returns a file object as defined in the parameters. The general syntax for opening a file in python is:

Opening a text file in Python

In this case, the filename is the name of the file we would like to communicate with, including that of the file extension. You may also define the exact path on which the file is stored.

The open mode tells Python whatever you want to do to the file. There are several modes that you should specify when communicating with text files.

  • ‘w’ – Write Mode: This mode to be used when the user tries to save or write any data to a file. Make sure that this will delete an existing file and make a new one. It will also overwrite the data.
  • ‘r’ – Read Mode: This mode should be used when the information in the file is read-only and is not modified in any way.
  • ‘a’ – Append mode: this mode automatically adds details to the end of the file. In other terms, it overwrites the data within the file.
  • ‘r+’ – Read/Write Mode: This can be used when you implement changes to the file and read information from it.
  • ‘a+’ – Append and Read Mode: a file is required to allow data to be added to the end of the file and to allow your software to read information as well.
  • ‘x’ – Exclusive File Creation Mode: this mode has been used specifically to generate a file. If a file with almost the same name also exists, the call operation may fail.

When using the open() function, you’d typically assign its result to a variable. Given a file named workData.txt, the proper code to open the file for reading and writing would be the following instance:

Opening a text file in Python

4. Writing in a text file.

We used it to know how to open or generate a text file that used a simple python function. Now, we’re going to know how to write to that same file we’ve opened. Since it would have been worthless if we weren’t able to write our data to a file. So, we’re going to use built-in file handling functions in python training to write to a text file.

We’re going to use the write() Function for write. An example for this would be:

write() - Opening a text file in Python

This is the simple code to write in a text file.

5.Read from a text file.

Finally, we just use the write() function to write to our file. Now that we’re going to analyze & read the data we put in the file. Rather like a simple life concept, we should really be capable of reading what data is in a text file or any other text file. Again, we’re going to be using a basic read function.

To perform a text file read operation, we will use the read() function. For that function, the following is:-

read() - Opening a text file in Python

6.Closing the file.

After the function is over, we will close down the file. We will be using close() to close a file.

close() - Opening a text file in Python

Here, you may have a query about closing the file, it is all necessary to close the file? Or why do you need to close the file?

So, let me inform you about the reason for closing the file.

  • Once a file is opened to perform any operation, it will be locked to access any other resource before the operation itself closes it.
  • The operating system keeps a record of the progress of files accessed by the programme and therefore closes files after each use, allowing you to remain under that limitation.
  • Effective Resource management.
  • Efficient programming technique.

With this, we’re coming towards the end of the Python Training in file Handling Operation.

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