Convert a list of characters into a string

Detailed look at join()

str.join() method is a shiny tool to glue parts of an iterative together. A great thing about it is the absence of separators between items, leading to a lusciously continuous string. Not to mention, it makes no fuss working with any iterable of strings, not just limited to character lists.

:::note When dealing with non-character iterables, remember to pack them as strings before inviting .join() to the party. :::

Backup dancers: Alternative methods

Sometimes, it's a different kind of show. .join() might be taking a day off, or just not the right one for the job. No worries, we have stand-ins:

The array module: Like numbers?

Sometimes, number lists fancy themselves as characters, ASCII values do that! Use the array module for their quick change costume:

from array import array
chars = [80, 121, 116, 104, 111, 110]  # Psst, they're ASCII for "Python".
result = array('B', chars).tobytes().decode()
print(result)  # Tada: "Python"
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Making reduce great again!

In a world where join is not an option, let's give reduce a chance:

from functools import reduce
chars = ['P', 'y', 't', 'h', 'o', 'n']  # Our unsuspecting characters.
result = reduce(lambda x, y: x+y, chars)  # Lambda, the unsung hero.
print(result)  # The big reveal: "Python"
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In this thriller, reduce takes them one by one, until we're left with our one true string. Plot twist!

Three's a crowd: When join is the third wheel

In some scenarios, join might be more a third wheel than a wingman. Let's explore:

Extra cheese: Prepending or appending fixed characters

If you're looking to add some flair to each character, join is your maestro:

chars = ['1', '2', '3']
result = ','.join(chars)
print(result)  # Echoes: "1,2,3"
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The result? A classy comma-separated drama, perfect for a CSV banquet.

The race of performance

If it's a race and the list is long, join can be your Usain Bolt. It's often quicker and leaner than its rivals, especially when opposed against '+' in a loop, which ends up more like me on a treadmill, out of breath.

Hide and seek with non-string iterables

Let's say we're dealing with numbers pretending to be characters. Just make sure they're done with their make-up first:

numbers = [1, 2, 3]
result = ''.join(str(number) for number in numbers)  # Undercover as strings.
print(result)  # "123"
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Here, we go undercover with generator expressions to infiltrate join()'s party.