How to Use Python Startswith Function

Python

Introduction

The Python str.startswith() function checks if a string starts with a specified prefix. This function is useful for validating and processing text data.

This guide shows you how to use the str.startswith() function.

Prerequisites

Before you begin:

  • Deploy a VPS server. For instance, Ubuntu 24.04.
  • Create a non-root sudo user.
  • Install Python.

The str.startswith() Function Syntax

The str.startswith() function returns True if the string starts with the specified prefix, and False otherwise.

Here's the basic syntax:

Python
string.startswith(prefix)

Example:

Python
text = "Hello, World!"
result = text.startswith("Hello")
print(result)  # Output: True

In this example, the str.startswith() function checks if the text starts with the prefix "Hello".

Practical Use Cases

The str.startswith() function is often used in scenarios where you need to validate text data or perform specific actions based on the starting characters of a string.

Example:

Python
filename = "report.txt"
if filename.startswith("report"):
    print("This is a report file.")
else:
    print("This is not a report file.")

In this example, the str.startswith() function checks if the filename starts with "report" to determine the file type.

Conclusion

This guide explains the str.startswith() function, including its syntax and practical use cases. The str.startswith() function is essential for validating and processing text data in Python. Understanding how to use this function effectively can improve the accuracy and reliability of your code.