Input/Output
Dan Stanzione (TACC) (original author), Steve Lantz, Adam Brazier, Chris Myers
Cornell Center for Advanced Computing
Revisions: 5/2024, 7/2021, 8/2016, 10/2014, 2/2014, 3/2013, 6/2010 (original)
As we have seen, Python's elementary I/O functions are an excellent starting point for those who may be new to programming. It is easy to write code to accept user input from a prompt, for example. But Python also provides powerful I/O capabilities for supporting a wide variety of practical applications.
In this section, we will see how to format variables and text prior to printing them to the screen; how to read data from and write data into files; and even how to preserve entire objects and classes for later re-initialization.
If you are experienced with C/Fortran programming, you should find Python's advanced I/O operations to be flexible and robust (rather like the language itself).
Objectives
After you complete this segment, you should be able to:
- Use I/O functions
- Format variables and text
- Read data from and write data into files
- Preserve entire objects and classes for later re-initialization
Prerequisites
This workshop assumes the reader has no prior exposure to Python. A working knowledge of UNIX/Linux and general programming concepts is assumed. The target audience is scientists and engineers using high performance computing systems who wish to boost their productivity through the use of Python.