Python File Handling
Dilini Chamika Silva
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Overview
File handling in Python allows you to create, read, write, and modify files stored on disk.
Python provides built-in functions and modules that make file operations simple and
efficient.
1. What is File Handling?
File handling refers to working with files, such as:
● Creating files
● Opening files
● Reading data from files
● Writing data to files
● Appending data
● Closing files
Python mainly uses the built-in open() function for file handling
2. Opening a File
Syntax
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Common File Modes
Mode Description
r Read (default) – error if file does not exist
w Write – creates new file or overwrites existing file
a Append – adds data to the end of the file
x Create – error if file already exists
rb Read binary
wb Write binary
r+ Read and write
3. Closing a File
Always close a file after use to free system resources.
4. Reading Files
4.1 Read Entire File
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4.2 Read a Specific Number of Characters
4.3 Read Line by Line
4.4 Read All Lines as a List
4.5 Using a Loop
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5. Writing to Files
5.1 Write Mode (w)
6. Appending to Files
Append Mode (a)
Adds content to the end of the file.
7. Creating Files
Create Mode (x)
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8. Using with Statement (Recommended)
The with statement automatically closes the file.
Writing with with:
9. File Methods
Method Description
read() Reads entire file
readline() Reads one line
readlines() Reads all lines into a list
write() Writes a string to file
writelines() Writes list of strings
seek() Changes file cursor position
tell() Returns current cursor position
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Example:
10. Handling Binary Files
Used for images, audio, videos, etc.
Writing binary data:
11. File Handling with Exception Handling
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12. Deleting Files
Using the os module:
14. Text File Handling (.txt)
Text files store data in human-readable form.
Writing to a Text File
Reading from a Text File
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15. JSON File Handling (.json)
JSON (JavaScript Object Notation) is used to store structured data.
Import JSON Module
Writing JSON to a File
Reading JSON from a File
Convert JSON String
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16. CSV File Handling (.csv)
CSV (Comma Separated Values) files store tabular data.
Import CSV Module
Writing to a CSV File
Reading from a CSV File
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Using DictReader and DictWriter
17. Comparison Summary
File Type Module Used Data Format
Text Built-in Plain text
JSON json Key–Value (Structured)
CSV csv Tabular
Thank You!