How to read a file without newlines?

Stringing across the edge

While handling text files, being ready to tackle newline edge cases is crucial.

• Empty lines: Fancy data with empty gaps? Neither do we. The .splitlines() method auto-removes empty lines.
• Whitespace lines: Strip off excess leading and trailing spaces using the strip() technique, cleaning up lines with just whitespaces.
• File endings: No newline at the end? No worries. Python has you covered, as it doesn't rely on an ending newline to mark the file's end.

Split or strip

Considering the many operations available, let's familiarize ourselves with the differing outcomes from each.

list comprehension and strip

with open('file.txt', 'r') as file:
    lines = [line.strip() for line in file]  # Our secret formula; don't tell anyone
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This approach gives you a more hands-on control over the flow, stripping newline at the end of each line.

split vs. splitlines: Dawn of the slicers

# "Do you bleed?" - split()
# "Occasionally, you?" - splitlines()
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• .split('\n') slices at each newline, leaving a ghost string at the end if the file ends with a newline. Spooky! 👻
• .splitlines() skips the last empty string if the file ends with a newline, bidding a firm goodbye to our ghost. Boo!

safe file handling: the "with" knight

Play it safe by using the with statement, ensuring the file is closed even if things hit the fan (read: an error occurs).

# "I'll close on my own, thank you very much!" - file
with open('file.txt', 'r') as file:
    content = file.read().splitlines()  # Slicing just got easier
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The I/O dance

need a newline? Seek and you shall find

# "I live on the edge" - file cursor at the end
file = open('file.txt', 'r+')
file.seek(0, 2)  # Move to the end
file.write('\n')  # Drops a newline
file.close()  # "And... scene!" - file
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Remember, Python is all about consent. If you try to sneak in a newline without telling the cursor, it might just overwrite your text. Naughty, naughty!

prevent newline party at the end

Use writelines() to write back lines without slapping a newline at the end, maintaining file's sanctity.

# "We're done here." - writelines()
with open('file.txt', 'w') as file:
    file.writelines(lines)
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processing large data: Performance Matters

Contours of your data and efficiency requirements should dictate the method of choice when processing large files. Python is all about flexibility!