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Can I add message to the tqdm progressbar?

python
prompt-engineering
functions
best-practices
Alex KataevbyAlex Kataev·Jan 31, 2025
TLDR

Yes, you can! tqdm offers the flexibility of customizing progress bars with messages using the set_postfix method. This method is used for appending info after the progress bar, allowing for a unique twist to your progress reports:

from tqdm import tqdm for i in tqdm(range(10), desc="Track me down"): # Your code has a secret message🕵️‍♂️ tqdm.write(f"Progress Report {i+1}: Code cracking in progress!")

In this code snippet, the secret message is integrated into the tqdm output and updates with each loop iteration.

Quickie Guide on Dynamic Messages

A practical feature of tqdm is its ability to display real-time updates using set_description(). Be amazed as your progress bar transforms into a messaging board 🚀:

from tqdm import trange import time # Your progress bar is getting a makeover t = trange(100, desc='Catch me if you can', leave=True) for i in t: # Ta-da! A dynamic shiny new message t.set_description(f"Mission status: {i}% complete.") t.refresh() # Let the magic happen time.sleep(0.1)

The magic here is in the timely updates of the message, providing real-time insights without the dreaded clutter.

A Clean Progress Bar Scope: The 'with' Statement

Say goodbye to messy codes. The with statement combined with tqdm is your key to maintaining a clean code base and better scope management:

from tqdm import tqdm import time with tqdm(total=100, desc="Wait for it...") as pbar: for i in range(10): pbar.set_description(f"Unveiling secret #{i+1}") pbar.update(10) time.sleep(0.1)

Heads Up: Remember to update your progress bar within the with block, just like we've shown here with the update(10).

Ditch tqdm.write for Condensed Non-Newline Messages

When you're not in the mood for a new line with each update, tqdm has your back with set_postfix() or set_post_fix_str(). These are your magic wand for appending informative snippets:

from tqdm import tqdm import time for i in tqdm(range(100), desc="Your files on the move!"): # Mind your steps, file transfer in progress time.sleep(0.1) # P.S. Postfix doesn't bite, try it out tqdm.set_postfix(f"Keeping track: File {i+1}")

The best part? It's all in one single line. Yes, no new lines were harmed in the making of this message 😂.

Managing Update Frequency

Time waits for no man, but wait... we can make it wait, just a little bit. This is useful when progress updates at the speed of light and you want to slow things down:

from tqdm import tqdm import time for i in tqdm(range(100)): # Enter sleep mode 💤 time.sleep(0.01)

A well-deserved break! The update slows down to every 0.01 seconds, so you can finally catch that break.

Sneak Peek at set_postfix()

The set_postfix() method is your backstage pass to more extensive information, especially when you want to keep things short and sweet:

from tqdm import tqdm for i in tqdm(range(10), desc="Sneak peek ahead"): # A moment of suspense... tqdm.set_postfix(Stage=i, refresh=True)

With set_postfix(), compact yet informative updates that complement your progress bar are just a line of code away!

Staying in Sync: Updating tqdm

Keeping up-to-date with the latest version of tqdm is essential. This ensures that all cool functionalities such as refresh=True, are just a pip install away:

pip install --upgrade tqdm

Harnessing the Power of Python 3.8 Syntax

Embrace compact code with the walrus operator :=, a shiny new tool in the Python 3.8 toolbox. Here's a compact loop using tqdm and :=:

from tqdm import tqdm while (n := next(my_iterable, None)) is not None: with tqdm(total=n) as pbar: # Work in progress... pass