In Python, to read and write files, we use the functions provided in the standard library open() and methods like read(), write() and close(). Here's how to manipulate files in Python:
Reading Files
To read a file in Python, we use the open() function with the "r" (read) mode. This function returns a file object, and then we can use methods like read() to read the content of the file.
Example:
# Read the content of a file
with open("myfile.txt", "r") as file:
content = file.read()
print(content)
Writing Files
To write to a file or create a new file, we use the open() function with the "w" (write) mode. If the file already exists, it will be overwritten, otherwise, a new file will be created.
Example:
# Write content to a file
with open("output.txt", "w") as file:
file.write("This is the content written to the file.")
Appending to Files
To append content to the end of a file without overwriting the existing content, we use the "a" (append) mode.
Example:
# Append content to a file
with open("logfile.txt", "a") as file:
file.write("Appending this line to the file.")
Closing Files
After reading or writing, it is recommended to close the file using the close() method. However, when using the with statement, there is no need to close the file manually as Python will automatically close the file when exiting the with block.
Reading and writing files in Python allows you to work with data from files and create applications that store and process information from external sources.