argparse with a pair of floats

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What will you learn?

In this tutorial, you will master the usage of Python’s argparse module to effortlessly accept a pair of floating-point values as command-line arguments.

Introduction to Problem and Solution

When developing Python scripts, obtaining user input from the command line is a common requirement. The argparse module offers an elegant solution for parsing command-line arguments within our scripts.

Specifically, in this scenario, we aim to handle pairs of floating-point numbers as arguments. We’ll delve into how to achieve this seamlessly using argparse.

Code

import argparse

# Create ArgumentParser object
parser = argparse.ArgumentParser(description='Accepting a pair of float values')

# Add arguments for two floats
parser.add_argument('float1', type=float, help='First float value')
parser.add_argument('float2', type=float, help='Second float value')

# Parse the arguments provided by the user 
args = parser.parse_args()

val1 = args.float1
val2 = args.float2

print(f'Float 1: {val1}, Float 2: {val2}')

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# Copyright PHD

Explanation

  • Import the argparse module.
  • Create an ArgumentParser object for handling command-line arguments.
  • Define two positional arguments of float type using add_argument.
  • Parse the provided command-line inputs into variables using parse_args().
  • Access and display the parsed float values.
    How does argparse differ from sys.argv for handling command-line arguments?

    Argparse offers a structured approach with more functionality compared to manually parsing sys.argv.

    Can I specify default values for optional arguments with argparse?

    Yes, argparse allows setting default values for optional arguments during argument definition.

    Is it possible to have mutually exclusive options with argparse?

    Certainly! Argparse supports defining mutually exclusive options where only one can be specified at a time.

    How can I validate input criteria with argparse?

    You can enforce validation by defining custom functions or specifying argument types in argparse.

    Can I provide additional information about my script using argparse?

    Absolutely! You can include descriptions and help messages for individual arguments in your script using argparse.

    Conclusion

    Mastering the argparse module empowers you to efficiently manage intricate sets of command-line inputs like pairs of floating-point numbers. This not only enhances user interaction but also streamlines your scripting process. For further insights and tips, visit PythonHelpDesk.com.

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