How do you read a file in Python?

How do you read a file in Python?

• A. Using the read_file() function
• B. Using the open() function combined with read()
• C. Using the file_read() function
• D. Using the load() function

Answer: (B)

To read a file in Python, the proper method involves using the open() function along with the read() method. The open() function is essential because it establishes a connection to the file on the filesystem, allowing you to specify the mode in which you want to open it—typically 'r' for reading. Once the file is opened, you can utilize the read() method to retrieve its contents, which can then be manipulated or processed as needed. This approach is robust and gives you control over how you handle files. By using the context manager syntax (with statement), you can ensure that the file is properly closed after its contents are accessed, which is a best practice in file handling to prevent resource leaks. In contrast, the other options, such as read_file(), file_read(), and load(), do not exist as built-in functions in Python for this purpose, making them invalid choices for reading files.

To read a file in Python, the proper method involves using the open() function along with the read() method. The open() function is essential because it establishes a connection to the file on the filesystem, allowing you to specify the mode in which you want to open it—typically 'r' for reading. Once the file is opened, you can utilize the read() method to retrieve its contents, which can then be manipulated or processed as needed.

This approach is robust and gives you control over how you handle files. By using the context manager syntax (with statement), you can ensure that the file is properly closed after its contents are accessed, which is a best practice in file handling to prevent resource leaks.

In contrast, the other options, such as read_file(), file_read(), and load(), do not exist as built-in functions in Python for this purpose, making them invalid choices for reading files.