Python Raw String

read: Python Backslash (escaping character) and Python Escaping Sequences

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Definition

In Python, when you prefix a string with the letter r or R such as r'...' and R'...', that string becomes a raw string. Unlike a regular string, a raw string treats the backslashes (\) as literal characters.

Raw strings are useful when you deal with strings that have many backslashes, for example directory paths on Windows.

Example:

s = "lang\tver\nPython\t3 print(s)"

Output:

Output:

lang    ver 
Python  3

However, raw strings treat the backslash (\) as a literal character. For example:

s = r"lang\tver\nPython\t3"
 
print(s) #Output: lang\tver\nPython\t3

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Convert a regular string into a raw string

To convert a regular string into a raw string, you use the built-in repr() function. For example:

s = '\n'
raw_string = repr(s)
 
print(raw_string) #Output: \n

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