Best way to convert string to bytes in Python 3?

python

encode-decode

string-conversion

unicode-encoding

byAlex Kataev·Oct 5, 2024

To morph a string to bytes in Python 3, let the encode() function work its magic. Apply it directly as your_string.encode(). It breathes the dialect of 'utf-8' encoding, the universal language of strings and bytes.

string_to_bytes = "Example".encode()  # 'utf-8' encoded bytes of the string
# Working-class 'utf-8' going undercover as bytes

To be absolutely certain it's done the transformation, you can confirm with type(string_to_bytes) == bytes. Chocolate turns to gold!

Diving into `encode()` without a parachute

The encode() method is front stage, doing all the heavy lifting. It turns your strings into bytes with all the elegance of a Python slithering in its environment. Couple it with its other half, the decode() method, and you've got a pair that dances as smoothly as Python code runs.

bytes_data = "Hello, World!".encode()  # 'utf-8' encoding strut
string_data = bytes_data.decode()  # 'utf-8' string resurgence
# It's like Stranger Things, but using `encode()` and `decode()` portals between string and bytes dimension

Check if the return journey was successful with type(string_data) == str.

Mind the performance gap

Performance matters! Using encode() without specifying 'utf-8' is like taking the highway instead of sidestreets. Why bother with the 'utf-8' lookup cost when you can take the shortcut Python provides?

Talking non-UTF-8 gibberish

Python handles different encodings in style. If UTF-8 feels too mainstream, Python 3 offers a smorgasbord of codecs to match your exotic string translation needs. Fancy a date with an older system not fluent in UTF-8? Remember to specify your encoding!

my_bytes = "你好".encode('utf-8')  # Encoding for a Mandarin string waving Hello

Might want to bookmark this Codec Registry for later.

For the memory freaks: `memoryview`

Got a big string to convert and got the big picture? Use memoryview, the panoramic view of string conversion. It allows quick, sophisticated conversion when bytes and encode seems like child’s play.

efficiency_showoff = memoryview(b"Example of efficiency").tobytes()
# memoryview: Because we care about onboarding time!

Byte order: More than a left-right issue

Byte order matters when multi-byte characters are involved. Take care with that endian, it just might ruin your whole day!

Raw deal: Unicode raw strings

For Unicode raw strings, use bytes() with the 'raw_unicode_escape' encoding. Just when you thought all hope was lost!

raw_unicoding = bytes(r'\u00E7 Locks, Raw!', 'raw_unicode_escape')
# Stores get raw deals, why can't Unicode strings?

Error handling: Catch 'em all!

When encoding and decoding, put on a safety net for unexpected exceptions. Fear no UnicodeEncodeError or UnicodeDecodeError, you can master them with 'ignore' or 'replace'. Safety first!

try:
    byte_data = "All is \u00E7!".encode('ascii')  # Will raise an error
except UnicodeEncodeError:
    print("Caught a rogue UnicodeEncodeError!")
# Encoding safaris are unpredictable, always carry safety gear!