File Handling: Reading from and writing to files, handling different file types (text, CSV, JSON).

File Handling: Reading from and writing to files, handling different file types (text, CSV, JSON)

File handling is an essential aspect of programming as it allows us to interact with files on our computer. In this blog post, we will explore how to read from and write to files, as well as handle different file types such as text, CSV, and JSON.

Reading from Files

Reading from files is a common operation in programming. It allows us to access the contents of a file and process it in our code. Here is an example of how to read from a text file in Python:

```python with open('example.txt', 'r') as file: contents = file.read() print(contents) ```

In this code snippet, we use the `open()` function to open the file in read mode (`'r'`). We then use the `read()` method to read the contents of the file into a variable `contents`.

Writing to Files

Writing to files allows us to store data generated by our program. Here is an example of how to write to a text file in Python:

```python with open('output.txt', 'w') as file: file.write('Hello, world!') ```

In this code snippet, we use the `open()` function to open the file in write mode (`'w'`). We then use the `write()` method to write the string `'Hello, world!'` to the file.

Handling Different File Types

There are different file types that we may encounter in programming, such as text, CSV, and JSON files. Here are some examples of how to handle these file types:

CSV:

```python import csv with open('data.csv', 'r') as file: reader = csv.reader(file) for row in reader: print(row) ```

JSON:

```python import json with open('data.json', 'r') as file: data = json.load(file) print(data) ```

Common Use Cases

File handling is commonly used in applications that require reading or writing data to files, such as data processing, logging, and configuration management. By mastering file handling, you can efficiently manage and manipulate data stored in files.

Importance in Interviews

File handling is a fundamental concept in programming and is often tested in interviews to assess a candidate's ability to work with files. Understanding how to read from and write to files, as well as handle different file types, can set you apart in technical interviews.

Conclusion

File handling is a crucial skill for any programmer, allowing you to interact with files and manage data efficiently. By mastering the techniques of reading from and writing to files, as well as handling different file types, you can enhance your programming skills and tackle a wide range of tasks.

Tags: file handling, reading files, writing files, text files, CSV files, JSON files