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Python File IO Guide

This guide covers file input/output (I/O) in Python, detailing how to open, read, write, and manipulate files using built-in functions. It explains various file modes, methods for handling text and CSV files, and working with JSON data, along with exception handling for file operations. Additionally, it provides best practices for reading large files efficiently to avoid memory issues.

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harshit sharma
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18 views4 pages

Python File IO Guide

This guide covers file input/output (I/O) in Python, detailing how to open, read, write, and manipulate files using built-in functions. It explains various file modes, methods for handling text and CSV files, and working with JSON data, along with exception handling for file operations. Additionally, it provides best practices for reading large files efficiently to avoid memory issues.

Uploaded by

harshit sharma
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Comprehensive Guide to Python File Input/Output (I/O)

1. Introduction to File Handling in Python

File handling is an essential part of programming. Python provides built-in functions to read, write,
and manipulate files efficiently.

2. Opening and Closing Files

Python's `open()` function is used to open files. The basic syntax is:
file = open("filename", "mode")
Example:
file = open("example.txt", "r")
file.close()

Using `with` statement (recommended):


with open("example.txt", "r") as file:
data = file.read()

3. File Modes in Python

- `r` : Read mode (default, file must exist).


- `w` : Write mode (creates a new file or overwrites).
- `a` : Append mode (adds data without deleting existing content).
- `r+` : Read and write.
- `w+` : Write and read (overwrites file).
- `a+` : Append and read.
- `rb`, `wb`, `ab` : Binary mode.

4. Reading Files
Methods for reading files:
- `read()`: Reads the entire file.
- `readline()`: Reads one line at a time.
- `readlines()`: Reads all lines as a list.

Example:
with open("example.txt", "r") as file:
content = file.read()
print(content)

5. Writing to Files

Methods for writing files:


- `write()`: Writes a string to the file.
- `writelines()`: Writes multiple lines.

Example:
with open("example.txt", "w") as file:
file.write("Hello, World!\n")

Appending:
with open("example.txt", "a") as file:
file.write("Appending new data.")

6. Working with CSV Files

Python has a built-in `csv` module to handle CSV files.

Reading CSV:
import csv
with open("data.csv", "r") as file:
reader = csv.reader(file)
for row in reader:
print(row)

Writing CSV:
with open("data.csv", "w", newline='') as file:
writer = csv.writer(file)
writer.writerow(["Name", "Age"])
writer.writerow(["Alice", 25])

7. Working with JSON Files

Python's `json` module helps read/write JSON data.

Writing JSON:
import json
data = {"name": "Alice", "age": 25}
with open("data.json", "w") as file:
json.dump(data, file)

Reading JSON:
with open("data.json", "r") as file:
data = json.load(file)
print(data)

8. Exception Handling in File I/O

Handling errors while working with files:

try:
with open("nonexistent.txt", "r") as file:
content = file.read()
except FileNotFoundError:
print("File not found!")

9. Reading Large Files Efficiently

For large files, reading line-by-line prevents memory overload:

with open("large_file.txt", "r") as file:


for line in file:
print(line, end="")

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