Multiline Strings in Python Code
In Python, multiline strings can be created using triple quotes, either triple single quotes (''') or triple double quotes ("""). These strings can span multiple lines, which makes them useful for including long texts or documentation. Here's a brief overview:
Creating Multiline Strings
Using Triple Double Quotes
Python Code
multiline_string = """This is a multiline string.
It spans multiple lines.
You can include "quotes" and other characters."""
Using Triple Single Quotes
Python Code
multiline_string = '''This is another multiline string.
It also spans multiple lines.
You can include 'quotes' and other characters.'''
Preserving Whitespace and Newlines
Multiline strings preserve all whitespace and newlines exactly as they are written.
Python Code
multiline_string = """
Line 1
Line 2
Indented Line
Line 4
"""
print(multiline_string)
Output:
mathematica
Line 1
Line 2
Indented Line
Line 4
Escaping Characters
Within a multiline string, you can still use escape sequences like \n for new lines, \t for tabs, etc.
Python Code
multiline_string = """This is a multiline string with an escaped newline character:\nThis appears on a new line."""
print(multiline_string)
Output:
csharp
This is a multiline string with an escaped newline character:
This appears on a new line.
Example: Multiline String in a Function
Multiline strings are often used in functions to provide detailed docstrings.
Python Code
def example_function():
"""
This is an example function.
It demonstrates how to use a multiline string as a docstring.
Parameters:
None
Returns:
None
"""
pass
Concatenating Multiline Strings
You can concatenate multiline strings using the + operator or by placing them adjacent to each other.
Python Code
string_part1 = """This is the first part of a multiline string. """
string_part2 = """This is the second part."""
full_string = string_part1 + string_part2
print(full_string)
Output:
csharp
This is the first part of a multiline string. This is the second part.
Using Multiline Strings for Text Blocks
Multiline strings are very useful for representing text blocks, such as HTML templates, SQL queries, or any large piece of text.
Python Code
html_template = """
<html>
<head>
<title>Title</title>
</head>
<body>
<h1>Hello, World!</h1>
<p>This is a multiline string example.</p>
</body>
</html>
"""
print(html_template)
Raw Multiline Strings
To avoid escaping characters, you can use raw string notation by prefixing the string with r.
Python Code
raw_multiline_string = r"""This is a raw multiline string.
It will not process escape sequences like \n or \t."""
print(raw_multiline_string)
Output:
vbnet
This is a raw multiline string.
It will not process escape sequences like \n or \t.
Using multiline strings in Python is straightforward and enhances code readability, especially when dealing with large text blocks or detailed documentation.
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