Working with Text Files in Python (Read, Write, Append)

What Is a Text File in Python?

A text file is a file that contains plain text data (usually ending with .txt). Python provides built-in support to read, write, append, and process text files efficiently using the open() function.

Common File Modes for Text Files

Reading from a Text File

Example 1: read() - Read Entire File

with open('notes.txt', 'r') as file:
    data = file.read()
    print(data)

Example 2: readline() - Read One Line

with open('notes.txt', 'r') as file:
    line1 = file.readline()
    line2 = file.readline()
    print(line1.strip())
    print(line2.strip())

Example 3: readlines() - Read All Lines as List

with open('notes.txt', 'r') as file:
    lines = file.readlines()
    for line in lines:
        print(line.strip())

Writing to a Text File

Example: Overwrite with write()

with open('notes.txt', 'w') as file:
    file.write("Python is powerful.\n")
    file.write("File handling is easy!")

File Content:

Python is powerful.
File handling is easy!

Warning: 'w' mode will delete the existing content.

Appending to a Text File

Example:

with open('notes.txt', 'a') as file:
    file.write("\nThis is an appended line.")

Updated Content:

Python is powerful.
File handling is easy!
This is an appended line.

Read and Write in the Same File

with open('notes.txt', 'r+') as file:
    content = file.read()
    file.write("\n-- Updated at the end --")

Pro Tips for Working with Text Files

• Always use with open() to auto-close files safely.
• Use .strip() or .rstrip() to remove \n while reading.
• Prefer try-except blocks for error handling.

Bonus: Count Words in a Text File

with open('notes.txt', 'r') as file:
    words = file.read().split()
    print("Total words:", len(words))

Example Project Folder Structure

project/
│
├── notes.txt
├── read_notes.py
├── write_notes.py