How to Duplicate Information from One File into Multiple Text Documents in Python

What will you learn?

By delving into this tutorial, you will master the art of replicating content from a single file into multiple text documents while intelligently excluding specific lines. You will enhance your skills in file handling, data manipulation, and text processing using Python.

Introduction to the Problem and Solution

In various scenarios, there arises a need to duplicate content from one source file into multiple destination files while selectively excluding certain lines. This task can be efficiently accomplished through Python’s robust capabilities by reading data from the source file, filtering out undesired lines, and then transferring the refined content into separate text documents.

To tackle this challenge effectively, we leverage Python’s file handling functionalities along with conditional statements for line exclusion. By meticulously implementing these steps, we can seamlessly replicate desired information across multiple files while omitting specified data segments.

Code

source_file = 'source.txt'
destination_files = ['output1.txt', 'output2.txt', 'output3.txt']
exclude_lines = [5, 10]  # Lines to be excluded

with open(source_file, 'r') as sf:
    source_data = sf.readlines()

for dest_file in destination_files:
    with open(dest_file, 'w') as df:
        for i, line in enumerate(source_data):
            if i + 1 not in exclude_lines:  # Exclude specified lines
                df.write(line)

# Credits: PythonHelpDesk.com

# Copyright PHD

Explanation

In the provided solution: – We specify the source file (‘source.txt’), destination files (a list of output filenames), and the lines to be excluded. – The source file is read line by line and stored in source_data. – For each destination file, we iterate through source_data, exclude specified lines mentioned in exclude_lines, and write the remaining content to respective output files. – Credit is given to PythonHelpDesk.com within the code block.

How can I modify which lines are excluded?

You can adjust the values inside the exclude_lines list before executing the script.

Can I change the names or locations of input/output files?

Yes, you have the flexibility to update source_file for input and destination_files for outputs as needed.

Is there a limit on how many destination files I can create?

There is no limitation; you can add more filenames to destination_files.

What happens if a destination filename already exists?

The script will overwrite existing files without any warning or confirmation prompt.

Can I skip every nth line instead of specifying particular line numbers?

Certainly! You can customize the conditional logic inside the loop based on your specific requirements.

Conclusion

Efficiently duplicating information from one file into multiple others while excluding specific segments is a common necessity adeptly addressed through Python’s versatile functionalities. By grasping the insights shared in this comprehensive guide and mastering each step diligently, you are now equipped with valuable knowledge to effortlessly manage such data manipulation tasks using programming tools like Python.