Working with Files in Python: Reading and Writing Made Easy

In programming, you often need to save data permanently or read data from files. Python provides simple and powerful tools to work with files — whether you want to read a text file, write logs, or process data.

This guide will introduce you to the basics of file handling in Python.

Basic File Operations

Python uses the built-in open() function to open files. When you open a file, you get a file object that lets you read, write, or modify the file.

Opening a File

Syntax:

• "r" — read (default mode)

• "w" — write (creates or overwrites file)

• "a" — append (add to end of file)

• "b" — binary mode (used with other modes, e.g., "rb")

Reading from a File

Example: Read the entire file

• Using with automatically closes the file after the block finishes — best practice!

• .read() reads the whole file as a string.

Read line by line

✍️ Writing to a File

Overwrite or create a file

This will create output.txt or overwrite it if it exists.

Append to a file

️ Other Useful Methods

• .readline() — reads one line at a time.

• .readlines() — reads all lines into a list.

Example:

⚠️ Important Tips

• Always use with open(...) to ensure files are properly closed.

• Be careful with write mode "w" — it overwrites existing files.

• Use binary mode ("rb", "wb") for non-text files like images.

Summary