Python File truncate() Method with example

Hello dear readers! Welcome back to another edition of our tutorial on Python. In this tutorial guide, we are going to be discussing about Python File truncate() method.

The Python file truncate() method truncates the code's file size. If the optional size argument is present, the file is truncated to (at most) that size.

The file size defaults to the current position. The current file position is not changed. Note that if a specified size exceeds the file's current size, the result is platform dependent.

Note - this method would not work if case file is opened in the read-only mode.

Syntax

The following below is the syntax for Python File truncate() method -

fileObject.truncate( [size] )

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Parameter Details

• size - If this optional argument is present, the file is truncated to (at most) that size.

Return Value

It does not return any value.

Example

The following below is a simple example -

This is 1st line
This is 2nd line
This is 3rd line
This is 4th line
This is 5th line

#!/usr/bin/python

# Open a file
fo = open("foo.txt", "rw+")
print "Name of the file: ", fo.name

# Assuming file has following 5 lines
# This is 1st line
# This is 2nd line
# This is 3rd line
# This is 4th line
# This is 5th line

line = fo.readline()
print "Read Line: %s" % (line)

# Now truncate remaining file.
fo.truncate()

# Try to read file now
line = fo.readline()
print "Read Line: %s" % (line)

# Close opend file
fo.close()

Output

When the above code is executed, it will produce the following result -

Name of the file:  foo.txt

Read Line:

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Alright guys! This is where we are rounding up for this tutorial post. In our next tutorial, we are going to be studying about the Python File write Method.

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