How to skip the headers when processing a csv file using Python?

On-demand header manipulations

Here are some scenarios where you might need to interact with the headers, rather than just skipping them:

Keeping headers handy

Save the headers before taking the leap:

import csv

with open('data.csv') as file:
    reader = csv.reader(file)
    headers = next(reader)  # Super saver, just in case!
    for row in reader:
        # Process the rest of the data
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Venturing beyond "," delimiter

Not all CSV files stick with commas. If yours uses different delimiters, specify it:

reader = csv.reader(file, delimiter=';')  # Semicolons are cool too!
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Fencing off headers to another file

Who does not like organization? Put the headers into another file:

import csv

with open('data.csv') as infile, open('headers.csv', 'w') as outfile:
    reader = csv.reader(infile)
    writer = csv.writer(outfile)
    writer.writerow(next(reader))  # Headers, packed and moved!
    for row in reader:
        # Handle the rest of the data
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More ways to dodge headers

Bypassing headers with next() is fail-safe, but there are more methods if you're feeling adventurous!

DictReader for lavish access

Use csv.DictReader for easy access to your CSV rows via headers:

with open('data.csv') as file:
    reader = csv.DictReader(file)
    for row in reader:
        print(row['Header_Name'])  # Show some love for headers!
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The csv.DictReader skips headers by default.

Skipping headers with a slice of Python

Slice the reader object like bread to jump the header line:

with open('data.csv') as file:
    rows = list(csv.reader(file))[1:]  # Slice to skip the header
    for row in rows:
        print(row)
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It's efficient but beware! This method loads the entire file into memory.