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Mastering File Handling in Python: A Beginner’s Guide

Learn How to Open Files and Work with Data in Python with Simple Examples

Max N
3 min readMar 26, 2024

Whether you’re a seasoned developer or just starting your coding journey, understanding how to manipulate files is a fundamental skill in Python. From reading data stored in files to writing new information, mastering file handling opens up a world of possibilities for your projects.

In this guide, we’ll explore the basics of opening files in Python and provide straightforward examples to get you started.

Why File Handling Matters

Before diving into the code, let’s understand why file handling is essential. In many real-world applications, data is stored in files: text files, CSV files, JSON files, and more. Being able to access and modify this data programmatically gives you the power to automate tasks, analyze information, and create dynamic applications.

Opening a File

Python provides a simple built-in function to open files: open(). This function takes two parameters: the file name (or path) and the mode in which you want to open the file. The mode determines whether you want to read from the file, write to it, or both.

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Max N
Max N

Written by Max N

A writer that writes about JavaScript and Python to beginners. If you find my articles helpful, feel free to follow.

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