3 Best Methods to Read Files in Python

Python supports three specific methods to read files- read, readline, readlines. All these you use on files. Each has its unique purpose. Below are the best examples.

3 Methods to read file

1. read
2. readline
3. readlines

Method-1: read

It reads records from file in sequence.

Here, file.txt is sample file with single row.

file.txt

abcdefghijk

file_object.read(2) ==> you will get 'ab'

file_object.read(4)  ===> you will get 'cdef'

Here, the multiple read methods read the data in sequence. The read(x) method will read only the number of characters that mentioned in the read method. Again, if you give multiple read methods then it will read in sequence.

Method-2: readline

It reads the file line by line.

Here, file.txt is a file with single row.

file.txt

abcdefghijk

file_object.readline() ==> you will get 'abcdefghijk'

Here, it reads the file line by line.

Method-3: readlines

It reads all the records at a time.

Here, file.txt is a file with two rows.

file.txt

abcdefghijk
iiiooooooia

file_object.readlines() ==> you will get both the lines.

abcdefghijk
iiiooooooia

Here, it reads all the lines at a time.

Summary

• I've demonstrated three methods
• Useful for interviews and projects