Python File Handling Vocabulary

A set of vocabulary flashcards based on Python file handling concepts, including file modes, the importance of closing files, and the distinction between open() and close().

File-mode

A setting that governs the type of operations (such as read, write, or append) possible in an opened file, referring to how the file will be used.

'w', 'a', 'w+', 'a+'

Specific file modes that support write mode, required when you need to create a file.

close()

A method of a file-object used to break the link between the file-object and the file on the disk.

File-handle (File-object)

The object through which tasks are performed on a file; it must be used with the close() method to terminate the connection.

open()

A built-in function used stand-alone (without a file-handle) to initiate access to a file.

Data Loss (in File Handling)

A risk that occurs if a program exits unexpectedly before a file is closed, as the operating system may not write the data out to the file until the close() function is called.

Explicit Closing

The practice of manually calling the close() method, which is considered good programming practice to ensure data integrity and free system resources.

Operating System Restrictions

Limits on the number of open files allowed at any one time, necessitating the closing of files when their work is done.

File Locking

An operating system behavior where open files are treated as private, which can lead to unnecessary blockage of memory if the files are not closed.

Reading functions

Python functions used to extract data from an open file, which requires the file to be opened and linked via a file-object or file handle first.