Resolving Inconsistent Spacing When Converting CSV to TXT in Python

Learn how to maintain consistent spacing between rows when converting a CSV file to a TXT file using Python. Follow our step-by-step guide for a clearer output.
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Resolving Inconsistent Spacing When Converting CSV to TXT in Python

When dealing with data conversion, one common task is converting a CSV (Comma-Separated Values) file into a TXT (Text) file. However, you may encounter issues like inconsistent spacing between rows when performing this conversion. In this guide, we will explore a solution to create a neatly formatted TXT file.

The Problem

Let's consider you have the following CSV file named test.csv:

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Upon converting this CSV file to TXT using a simple Python script, you might end up with inconsistent spacing like this:

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This format is not ideal as you want a uniform look with aligned columns, where numbers are placed properly under their respective headings.

The Solution

To achieve consistent spacing, we will make use of Python's string method called ljust(). This method allows us to add spaces to the strings so that they align perfectly. Here are the steps broken down.

Step 1: Read the CSV File

We start by opening the CSV file and reading it line by line. The line is split into a list of items based on commas. Here's how:

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Step 2: Calculate Maximum Length for Each Column

Once we have the data stored as a list of lists, we need to determine the maximum length of each column. We will achieve this by iterating through our list to find the longest entry in each column.

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Step 3: Formatting the Output

Now that we know how long each column should be, we can format each item in the list accordingly using the ljust() method to add spaces up to the maximum length of each column. The result will be a neatly spaced TXT file.

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Full Code

Here’s the complete code snippet that implements the above steps:

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Conclusion

By following these steps, you can ensure your output TXT file has uniformly spaced columns, enhancing readability and making it look professional. Using Python's string methods effectively can save you time and enhance your data presentation. Now, go ahead and try converting your CSV files with this improved approach!