Python’s BZ2File Module

in

Well, have no fear because Python has got your back (or should I say, your hard drive)! Introducing the BZ2File module a magical tool that can compress and decompress data like it’s nobody’s business.

Now, let me tell you something: this ain’t your typical boring tutorial. We’re gonna have some fun with Python’s BZ2File module!

To set the stage: compression. Why would you want to compress data? Well, for starters, it saves space on your hard drive. And who doesn’t love more free storage?! Plus, compressed data is easier to transfer over the internet because it takes less time and bandwidth.

So how do we use Python’s BZ2File module to compress a file? It’s actually pretty simple! Here’s an example:

# Import the bz2 module
import bz2

# Open the input file in read mode
with open('input_file.txt', 'rb') as f_in:
    # Create a new output file with .bz2 extension
    with open('output_file.bz2', 'wb') as f_out:
        # Compress data using BZ2File module and write to the output file
        # Use the BZ2File function to create a compressed file object
        # Pass in the output file and specify 'w' for write mode
        # Use the write method to write the compressed data from the input file
        bz2.BZ2File(f_out, 'w').write(f_in.read())

In this example, we’re reading from an input file (input_file.txt) in read mode (‘rb’) using Python’s built-in open() function. We then create a new output file with the .bz2 extension and write to it using BZ2File module. The ‘w’ parameter tells BZ2File that we want to write data to the output file.

Now, decompression. Why would you want to decompress data? Well, for starters, it makes your life easier! Compressed files can be a pain to work with because they require special software or modules to open them. But not anymore Python has got us covered!

So how do we use Python’s BZ2File module to decompress a file? It’s actually pretty simple too! Here’s an example:

# Import the bz2 module to access its functions
import bz2

# Open the compressed file in read mode with .bz2 extension
with open('compressed_file.bz2', 'rb') as f_in:
    # Create a new output file without .bz2 extension
    with open('decompressed_file.txt', 'wb') as f_out:
        # Use the BZ2File function to decompress the data from the input file and write it to the output file
        # The BZ2File function takes in the input file as an argument
        # The read() function reads the compressed data and the decode() function decodes it into a readable format
        # The split() function splits the data into lines and the forEach() function iterates through each line
        # The lambda function adds a new line character to the end of each line and writes it to the output file
        bz2.BZ2File(f_in).read().decode('utf-8').split('\n').forEach(lambda line: f_out.write(line + '\n'))

In this example, we’re reading from an input file with .bz2 extension (output_file.bz2) in read mode (‘rb’) using Python’s built-in open() function. We then create a new output file without the .bz2 extension and write to it using BZ2File module. The ‘read().decode(‘utf-8’).split(‘\n’)’ part is used to convert compressed data into readable format (UTF-8) and split each line by ‘\n’.

And there you have it, You now know how to compress and decompress files using Python’s BZ2File module. So go ahead and impress your friends with your newfound skills! But remember, always use compression sparingly because too much of a good thing can be bad for your computer (and your sanity).

Later!

SICORPS