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File Handling in Python - Notes

File handling in Python involves operations such as opening, reading, writing, and closing files to store data permanently. Different file types include text and binary files, with various modes (e.g., read, write, append) dictating how files can be accessed. Best practices recommend using the 'with' statement for safer and cleaner file handling.

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4 views10 pages

File Handling in Python - Notes

File handling in Python involves operations such as opening, reading, writing, and closing files to store data permanently. Different file types include text and binary files, with various modes (e.g., read, write, append) dictating how files can be accessed. Best practices recommend using the 'with' statement for safer and cleaner file handling.

Uploaded by

rssrinu420
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© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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FILE HANDLING IN PYTHON

1. Introduction

A file is a collection of data stored permanently on a storage device such as a hard disk.

Unlike variables, data in files does not disappear after the program ends.

2. What is File Handling?

File Handling means performing operations on files such as:

• Opening a file

• Reading data from a file

• Writing data to a file

• Closing a file

It helps in storing data permanently.

3. Real-Time Usage

File handling is used in:

• Saving user login data

• Storing logs in applications

• Data Science (CSV files)

• Banking systems

• Web applications

4. Types of Files

4.1 Text Files

These store data in readable format.

Examples:

• .txt

• .csv
• .json

4.2 Binary Files

These store data in binary format (0s and 1s).

Examples:

• .jpg

• .mp4

• .pdf

5. Opening a File

6. File Modes

Mode Description

r Read only

w Write (overwrites file)

a Append (adds data)

x Create new file

r+ Read and Write

w+ Write and Read


Mode Description

a+ Append and Read

rb Read binary

wb Write binary

7. Explanation of Each Mode with Examples

7.1 Read Mode (r)

• Opens file for reading

• Error if file does not exist

7.2 Write Mode (w)

• Creates file if not exists

• Overwrites existing content


7.3 Append Mode (a)

• Adds data to end of file

7.4 Create Mode (x)

• Creates new file

• Error if file exists

7.5 Read and Write (r+)

7.6 Write and Read (w+)


7.7 Append and Read (a+)

7.8 Binary Modes

8. File Handler

The variable used to store the file object is called a file handler.

Here, f is the file handler.

9. File Pointer

The file pointer indicates the current position in the file.


9.1 tell()

Returns current position:

9.2 seek()

Moves pointer to a specific position:

Example:

10. Reading Methods

read()

Reads entire file:


readline()

Reads one line:

readlines()

Reads all lines as list:

11. Writing Methods

12. Closing a File

Important to free memory and avoid errors.


13. Best Practice: Using with

Advantages:

• Automatically closes file

• Cleaner code

• Safer

14. Exception Handling

15. Real-Time Example

Saving Student Data


16. Data Science Example

17. Simple Analogy

Think of a file as a notebook:

Mode Meaning

r Read notebook

w Rewrite notebook

a Add new content

18. Important Points

• File = permanent storage

• File handler = object

• Pointer = position

• Use with for safety

• w deletes old data

• a adds data
19. Mini Practice Program

20. Summary

• File handling is used to store data permanently

• Different modes control file operations

• Use with statement for better coding practice

• Widely used in real-world applications

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