How to split a string in Python?

Table of Contents

Introduction

Splitting a string in Python is a fundamental operation used to break down a string into smaller segments or substrings. This is often required for data processing, text manipulation, or parsing. Python provides several methods to split strings based on different criteria. This guide covers various ways to split a string and provides practical examples.

Methods to Split a String in Python

1. Using the split() Method

  • split() Method: The split() method divides a string into a list of substrings based on a specified delimiter. By default, it splits based on whitespace.

Example:

Example with a Specified Delimiter:

2. Using the split() Method with a Maximum Split

  • split() with maxsplit: This version of the split() method allows you to specify the maximum number of splits to perform.

Example:

3. Using the rsplit() Method

  • rsplit() Method: Similar to split(), but splits from the right side of the string. It is useful when you need to split a string into a fixed number of parts from the end.

Example:

4. Using Regular Expressions with re.split()

  • re.split() Method: The re.split() function from the re module allows for splitting a string using regular expressions, which provides more flexibility for complex patterns.

Example:

Practical Examples

Example : Splitting User Input

Example : Parsing CSV Data

Example : Splitting a Path

Conclusion

Splitting a string in Python can be done using various methods such as the split() method, rsplit() method, and re.split() for regular expression-based splitting. Each method offers different functionalities to handle specific requirements, whether it's splitting by a delimiter, limiting the number of splits, or using complex patterns. Understanding these methods allows you to efficiently process and manipulate strings in Python.

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