String alteration is among the most prevalent activities when coding in Python, and the split() function proves to be extremely beneficial for that purpose. Whether it involves user input, processing textual data, or accessing files, Python’s native method, split(), enables users to segment delimited text into smaller, manageable segments. In this article, you will discover what the split() function is in Python, how to utilize split() in Python with real-world examples, its usage, pros, and cons.
The split() function in Python serves as a built-in function to partition a string into a collection of substrings. It splits a string based on a designated delimiter, known as the separator. If no separator is supplied, the function uses whitespace by default. The split() function finds its utility in text processing, data interpretation, and data sanitation, particularly when there is a requirement to decompose a string into discrete elements.
Syntax of split() Function
The syntax of the split() function in Python is as follows:
str.split(separator=None, maxsplit=-1)
Parameters of the split() Function
There exist two parameters for the split() function, both of which are optional.
separator: This is the delimiter that indicates where the string should be split. If no separator is specified, whitespace is used as the default.
maxsplit: This indicates the highest number of splits to be performed on the string. A default value of -1 denotes that there is no maximum limit, and the string will be split wherever the separator appears.
Return Value of the split() Function
The split() function yields a list of strings, which represent the segments of the original string that have been separated by the specified delimiter or by whitespace.
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The split() function serves to divide a string into smaller components in Python. It operates by examining the string and splitting it into a list whenever a designated separator exists. If no separator is provided, it defaults to using whitespace to perform the split.
The number of splits can be managed by utilizing the maxsplit parameter. If maxsplit is not set, the split() function will divide the string at every occurrence of the specified separator.
The split() function outputs a list containing all the resulting substrings, facilitating easier handling of distinct sections of a string within our code.
Let’s delve into how the split() function functions in Python through examples.
Example 1: Dividing a string using the default separator
Python
Code Copied!
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editor18955.setValue(decodedContent); // Set the default text
editor18955.clearSelection();
editor18955.setOptions({
maxLines: Infinity
});
function decodeHTML18955(input) {
var doc = new DOMParser().parseFromString(input, “text/html”);
return doc.documentElement.textContent;
}
// Function to copy code to clipboard
function copyCodeToClipboard18955() {
const code = editor18955.getValue(); // Get code from the editor
“““html
navigator.clipboard.writeText(code).then(() => {
// alert(“Code copied to clipboard!”);
jQuery.ajax({
url: “https://intellipaat.com/blog/wp-admin/admin-ajax.php”,
type: “post”,
data: {
language: “python”,
code: code,
cmd_line_args: “”,
variablenames: “”,
action: “compilerajax”
},
success: function(response) {
var myArray = response.split(“~”);
var data = myArray[1];
jQuery(“.output18955”).html(“
"+data+"");
jQuery(".maineditor18955 .code-editor-output").show();
jQuery("#runBtn18955 i.run-code").hide();
}
});
}
function closeoutput18955() {
var code = editor18955.getSession().getValue();
jQuery(".maineditor18955 .code-editor-output").hide();
}
// Attach event listeners to the buttons
document.getElementById("copyBtn18955").addEventListener("click", copyCodeToClipboard18955);
document.getElementById("runBtn18955").addEventListener("click", runCode18955);
document.getElementById("closeoutputBtn18955").addEventListener("click", closeoutput18955);
Output:
The code demonstrates how the string “Learn Python step by step” is segmented into a list of words utilizing the default delimiter, whitespace.
Example 2: Dividing a string using a custom separator
Python
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Output:
The code illustrates how the string “apple, banana, cherry” is partitioned into a list using “,” as the delimiter.
Why the Python split() Function is Valuable to Developers
The split() function holds significance for developers as it streamlines the task of managing and processing text. It aids in breaking down strings into feasible portions, which is a routine responsibility for developers, whether they are handling user input, reading files, parsing logs, or sanitizing data from APIs.
The split() function accepts a single string and dissects it into a list of segments. This method facilitates the extraction of data parts, analysis, or manipulation. The function’s adaptability is beneficial as you can specify both the separator used and limit the split. Due to its versatility, this function will prove beneficial for you as a Python developer.
Practical Illustrations of the split() Function in Python
Here are several practical illustrations of the split() function in Python.
function closeoutput33503() {
jQuery(".maineditor33503 .code-editor-output").hide();
}
// Attach event listeners to the buttons
document.getElementById("copyBtn33503").addEventListener("click", copyCodeToClipboard33503);
document.getElementById("runBtn33503").addEventListener("click", runCode33503);
document.getElementById("closeoutputBtn33503").addEventListener("click", closeoutput33503);
Output:
The script demonstrates how the split() method is utilized in text manipulation, as it separates the string “Python is a powerful language” into discrete words.
2. Extracting Date Components
Python
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editor19180.setValue(decodedContent); // Set the default text
editor19180.clearSelection();
editor19180.setOptions({
maxLines: Infinity
});
function decodeHTML19180(input) {
var doc = new DOMParser().parseFromString(input, "text/html");
return doc.documentElement.textContent;
}
// Function to copy code to clipboard
function copyCodeToClipboard19180() {
const code = editor19180.getValue(); // Get code from the editor
navigator.clipboard.writeText(code).then(() => {
jQuery(".maineditor19180 .copymessage").show();
setTimeout(function() {
jQuery(".maineditor19180 .copymessage").hide();
}, 2000);
}).catch(err => {
console.error("Error copying code: ", err);
});
}
function runCode19180() {
var code = editor19180.getSession().getValue();
jQuery("#runBtn19180 i.run-code").show();
jQuery(".output-tab").click();
jQuery.ajax({
url: "https://intellipaat.com/blog/wp-admin/admin-ajax.php",
type: "post",
data: {
language: "python",
code: code,
cmd_line_args: "",
variablenames: "",
action: "compilerajax"
},
success: function(response) {
var myArray = response.split("~");
var data = myArray[1];
jQuery(".output19180").html("
function closeoutput19180() {
var code = editor19180.getSession().getValue();
jQuery(".maineditor19180 .code-editor-output").hide();
}
// Add event listeners to the buttons
document.getElementById("copyBtn19180").addEventListener("click", copyCodeToClipboard19180);
document.getElementById("runBtn19180").addEventListener("click", runCode19180);
document.getElementById("closeoutputBtn19180").addEventListener("click", closeoutput19180);
Output:
The code demonstrates the use of the split() function for date formatting or extracting date components, as it divides the provided date “2025-05-29” into separate parts: year, month, and day.
3. Restricting the Number of Splits
Python
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editor42982.setValue(decodedContent); // Set the default text
editor42982.clearSelection();
editor42982.setOptions({
maxLines: Infinity
});
function decodeHTML42982(input) {
var doc = new DOMParser().parseFromString(input, "text/html");
return doc.documentElement.textContent;
}
// Function to duplicate code to clipboard
function copyCodeToClipboard42982() {
const code = editor42982.getValue(); // Get code from the editor
navigator.clipboard.writeText(code).then(() => {
// console.log("Code duplicated to clipboard!");
data: {
language: "python",
code: code,
cmd_line_args: "",
variablenames: "",
action: "compilerajax"
},
success: function(response) {
var myArray = response.split("~");
var data = myArray[1];
jQuery(".output42982").html("
"+data+"");
jQuery(".maineditor42982 .code-editor-output").show();
jQuery("#runBtn42982 i.run-code").hide();
}
})
}
function closeoutput42982() {
var code = editor42982.getSession().getValue();
jQuery(".maineditor42982 .code-editor-output").hide();
}
// Attach event handlers to the buttons
document.getElementById("copyBtn42982").addEventListener("click", copyCodeToClipboard42982);
document.getElementById("runBtn42982").addEventListener("click", runCode42982);
document.getElementById("closeoutputBtn42982").addEventListener("click", closeoutput42982);
Output:
This code illustrates that the split() function is utilized when only specific portions of the data are needed, as it separates the name and email from the specified string, with a custom limit set to 2 for splitting the text.
function closeoutput49112() {
jQuery(".maineditor49112 .code-editor-output").hide();
}
// Attach event listeners to the buttons
document.getElementById("copyBtn49112").addEventListener("click", copyCodeToClipboard49112);
document.getElementById("runBtn49112").addEventListener("click", runCode49112);
document.getElementById("closeoutputBtn49112").addEventListener("click", closeoutput49112);
Output:
The script demonstrates how the split() function can be used to divide a string into a character list, as it separates "Intellipaat" into individual characters.
Using split() Without Parameters in Python
When invoked without parameters, the split() function divides the string into a list by any whitespace, eliminating extra spaces and treating multiple consecutive spaces as a single delimiter.
Example 1:
Python
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Code Duplicated!
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editor98426.setValue(decodedContent); // Initialize with default text
editor98426.clearSelection();
editor98426.setOptions({
maxLines: Infinity
});
function decodeHTML98426(input) {
var doc = new DOMParser().parseFromString(input, "text/html");
return doc.documentElement.textContent;
}
// Function to duplicate code to clipboard
function copyCodeToClipboard98426() {
const code = editor98426.getValue(); // Retrieve code from the editor
navigator.clipboard.writeText(code).then(() => {
// alert("Code duplicated to clipboard!");
data: {
language: "python",
code: code,
cmd_line_args: "",
variablenames: "",
action:"compilerajax"
},
success: function(response) {
var myArray = response.split("~");
var data = myArray[1];
jQuery(".output98426").html("
"+data+"");
jQuery(".maineditor98426 .code-editor-output").show();
jQuery("#runBtn98426 i.run-code").hide();
}
})
}
function closeoutput98426() {
var code = editor98426.getSession().getValue();
jQuery(".maineditor98426 .code-editor-output").hide();
}
// Bind event listeners to the buttons
document.getElementById("copyBtn98426").addEventListener("click", copyCodeToClipboard98426);
document.getElementById("runBtn98426").addEventListener("click", runCode98426);
document.getElementById("closeoutputBtn98426").addEventListener("click", closeoutput98426);
Output:
The script illustrates that the specified string is divided into a collection of grocery items using space as a delimiter.
Illustration 2:
Python
Code Duplicated!
Output:
``````html
The sample code illustrates how the specified string is divided into a collection of grocery items using a space as a delimiter, while also eliminating extraneous spaces in between.
Frequent Mistakes When Utilizing split() and Their Solutions
Below are several typical mistakes encountered by programmers when employing the split() function, along with the remedies for addressing these issues.
1. ValueError: insufficient values to unpack
This error arises when you attempt to assign more variables than there are items returned by split().
Illustration:
Python
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Result:
In the above snippet, two variables are allocated, apple and banana, however, the script is attempting to unpack them into three variables. This triggers a ValueError due to a discrepancy in unpacking.
Solution: Ensure the number of variables corresponds with the number of split items.
Python
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Output:
In the preceding code, only two variables are present, and the split function divides them into two variables assigned to fruit1 and fruit2.
2. Wrong Separator
If the separator is inaccurately indicated, then the split() function might yield the string as one single item.
Example:
Python
Code Duplicated!
Output:
In the previous code, no separator is supplied, which makes split() utilize whitespace by default. However, the string contains no whitespace, leading to the entire string being returned as a single list element.
Solution: Use the correct delimiter that corresponds with the string format.
Python
Code Duplicated!
``````html
isMobile = window.innerWidth "");
editor80834.setValue(decodedContent); // Set the initial text
editor80834.clearSelection();
editor80834.setOptions({
maxLines: Infinity
});
function decodeHTML80834(input) {
var doc = new DOMParser().parseFromString(input, "text/html");
return doc.documentElement.textContent;
}
// Function to duplicate code to clipboard
function copyCodeToClipboard80834() {
const code = editor80834.getValue(); // Retrieve code from the editor
navigator.clipboard.writeText(code).then(() => {
// alert("Code copied to clipboard!");
jQuery(".maineditor80834 .copymessage").show();
setTimeout(function() {
jQuery(".maineditor80834 .copymessage").hide();
}, 2000);
}).catch(err => {
console.error("Error copying code: ", err);
});
}
function runCode80834() {
var code = editor80834.getSession().getValue();
jQuery("#runBtn80834 i.run-code").show();
jQuery(".output-tab").click();
jQuery.ajax({
url: "https://intellipaat.com/blog/wp-admin/admin-ajax.php",
type: "post",
data: {
language: "python",
code: code,
cmd_line_args: "",
variablenames: "",
action:"compilerajax"
},
success: function(response) {
var myArray = response.split("~");
var data = myArray[1];
jQuery(".output80834").html("
"+data+"");
jQuery(".maineditor80834 .code-editor-output").show();
jQuery("#runBtn80834 i.run-code").hide();
}
});
}
function closeOutput80834() {
var code = editor80834.getSession().getValue();
jQuery(".maineditor80834 .code-editor-output").hide();
}
// Attach event listeners to the buttons
document.getElementById("copyBtn80834").addEventListener("click", copyCodeToClipboard80834);
document.getElementById("runBtn80834").addEventListener("click", runCode80834);
document.getElementById("closeoutputBtn80834").addEventListener("click", closeOutput80834);
Output:
In the earlier code, the comma serves as the delimiter, hence the split() function partitions the string into a list wherever a comma is found.
3. AttributeError: ‘int’ object has no attribute ‘split’
This issue arises when the split() function is applied to a type that is not a string, like an int.
Example:
Python
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Output:
The previous code results in an error because split() is a method for strings, and it is currently being applied to an integer (12345), which is not feasible.
``````html
Solution: Transform the data into a string using str() prior to utilizing the split() function.
function closeoutput64564() {
jQuery(".maineditor64564 .code-editor-output").hide();
}
// Attach event listeners to the buttons
document.getElementById("copyBtn64564").addEventListener("click", copyCodeToClipboard64564);
document.getElementById("runBtn64564").addEventListener("click", runCode64564);
document.getElementById("closeoutputBtn64564").addEventListener("click", closeoutput64564);
Output:
In the preceding code, the number is converted into a string using str(), enabling the split() function to divide it into a list.
Benefits of the split() Function in Python
The split() function is straightforward and easy to utilize. You can define your own delimiters and effortlessly split strings as needed.
The split() function is advantageous for any form of text data manipulation, such as CSV files, log data, and user input data.
The split() function assists in structuring and refining unprocessed text data.
Employing the split() function enhances code clarity and readability, as it minimizes the need for intricate loops.
Drawbacks of the split() Function in Python
The split() function can only be applied to string data types; consequently, you must first convert other data types into strings.
The split() function cannot utilize multiple distinct separators without additional programming.
When unpacking values using the split() function, you will encounter errors if the correct number of variables is not used.
The split() function does not eliminate spaces from any element it separates.
Uses of the split() Function
Text Processing: The data entered by users in forms is parsed and separated utilizing the split() method.
Parsing CSV Files: To read and divide input data from CSV documents into smaller segments, the split() method is employed.
Data Analysis: To simplify large data for comprehension, developers use the split() function.
NLP Applications or Chatbots: The split() method breaks down user messages into simpler terms for implementation in chatbots and natural language processing tasks.
Data Cleaning: For data analysis, the split() function serves as an excellent means to cleanse and organize raw text data.
File Path Manipulation: File paths can be segmented into filenames, folders, and extensions through the split() function.
Summary
The split() function in Python is a highly beneficial and essential tool for string manipulation. The split() function simplifies complex operations, such as analyzing user input, traversing data files, or conducting basic data analysis, by breaking text into manageable pieces. The capability to specify how to partition a string makes it an invaluable function for developers who handle arbitrary strings, file input, etc. Its ease of use is evident, but, as with many elements, it requires cautious application, particularly when dealing with non-standard input or utilizing multiple delimiters.
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