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Check if a string contains a number

python
functions
promises
generator-expressions
Nikita BarsukovbyNikita Barsukov·Feb 1, 2025
TLDR

Instant coffee? Meet your coding equivalent. Check if a string has a digit using Python’s any() and isdigit(). Brews in less than a microsecond.

# Use any faster than instant coffee has_digit = any(char.isdigit() for char in my_string)

Just replace my_string with your string. has_digit becomes True faster than you can say "Python".

Python ninja techniques: Efficient and clear methods

There are several ways to check whether a string contains a number. Each has its own charm. Let's unmask them.

Unleashing any() and str.isdigit()

This little combo packs a punch; it's a quick answer to your conundrum.

# Python chakra unleashed def contains_digit(s): return any(char.isdigit() for char in s)

Regular expressions: Coding with a wand!

Want to be a Hogwarts graduate? Master regular expressions (RegEx). Did I say Hogwarts? I meant Regexwarts. Let's swing that wand!

import re # Swish and flick! def contains_number(s): return bool(re.search(r'\d', s))

Given a regular need for the same regex pattern, pre-compile it. Performance matters, folks!

# Minimalist magic with compiled RegEx. number_pattern = re.compile(r'\d') def contains_number(s): return bool(number_pattern.search(s))

Decision time!

Choose any() with str.isdigit() for when simplicity is king. Fetch the big guns (RegEx) when faced with complex patterns.

Beyond simple digits: The Matrix Unveiled

Numbers can be sneaky. They might hide behind decimals or commas. Watch out for allies of numbers too.

Decimals and commas: Numbers in disguise!

Detecting decimals and commas hiding in a string:

# They see me rollin', They hatin' def contains_decimal_number(s): return bool(re.search(r'\d[\d.,]*', s))

Excluding 100% alphabetic or numeric strings

Purely numeric or alphabets entries don't fit our 'numbers hiding agenda'. Let's rule them out with str.isalpha().

# Pure no more. def contains_mixed_content(s): return not s.isalpha() and any(char.isdigit() for char in s)

Extracting numbers: It's like Easter egg hunt!

Find and extract all numbers, even those pretending to be commas or dots.

# Turns out, there's a party in every string! def extract_numbers(s): return re.findall(r'[\d.,]+', s)

Generator Expressions: The unsung hero

Consider using generator expressions. They are light on memory, and that's no joke!

# Brains over brawn, folks! def contains_digit_gen(s): return any(char.isdigit() for char in s)