print() parameters and formatting in Python - Cheat Sheet & Quick Revision

Recall & Review

beginner

What is the purpose of the sep parameter in the print() function?

The sep parameter defines the string inserted between multiple values printed. By default, it is a space (' ').

beginner

How does the end parameter affect the print() output?

The end parameter sets what is printed at the end of the output. By default, it is a newline (\n), so the next print starts on a new line.

intermediate

What does the file parameter do in print()?

The file parameter specifies where the output goes. By default, it prints to the screen (standard output), but you can redirect it to a file or other stream.

beginner

How can you format a number to show two decimal places using print()?

Use an f-string with format specifier like f"{number:.2f}". This rounds and shows the number with two decimals.

beginner

What is the difference between print('Hello', end='!') and print('Hello')?

The first prints Hello! without moving to a new line after. The second prints Hello and moves to the next line.

What is the default separator between values in print()?

A A space

B A comma

C No separator

D A newline

By default, print() inserts a space between multiple values.

Which print() parameter changes what is printed at the end?

A sep

B flush

C file

D end

The end parameter sets the string printed after the output, defaulting to a newline.

How do you print multiple values without spaces between them?

A Use <code>end=''</code>

B Use <code>sep=' '</code>

C Use <code>sep=''</code>

D Use <code>file=''</code>

Setting sep='' removes spaces between printed values.

What does print(f"{value:.2f}") do?

A Prints value as integer

B Prints value with 2 decimal places

C Prints value in scientific notation

D Prints value as string

The format specifier .2f rounds and prints the number with two decimals.

How can you print output to a file instead of the screen?

A Use <code>print(..., file=open('file.txt', 'w'))</code>

B Use <code>print(..., file=filename)</code> where filename is a string

C Use <code>print(..., sep='file.txt')</code>

D Use <code>print(..., end='file.txt')</code>

You must open the file and pass the file object to the file parameter.

Explain how the sep and end parameters change the behavior of the print() function.

Think about what appears between and after printed items.

Describe how to format a floating-point number to two decimal places when printing in Python.

Use Python's modern string formatting.

Practice

1. What does the sep parameter do in the print() function?

easy

A. It changes the separator between multiple items printed.

B. It changes the ending character of the printed line.

C. It formats numbers inside the print statement.

D. It pauses the program before printing.

Solution

1. Step 1: Understand the role of sep

   The sep parameter defines what string is placed between multiple items printed.

2. Step 2: Compare with other parameters

   end changes line ending, formatting is done by f-strings, and pausing is unrelated.

3. Final Answer:

   It changes the separator between multiple items printed. -> Option A

4. Quick Check:

   sep = separator [OK]

Hint: Remember: sep controls spacing between items [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Confusing sep with end parameter
• Thinking sep formats numbers
• Assuming sep pauses output

2. Which of the following is the correct syntax to print two words separated by a dash using print()?

easy

A. print('hello' - 'world')

B. print('hello' + 'world', sep='-')

C. print('hello', 'world', end='-')

D. print('hello', 'world', sep='-')

Solution

1. Step 1: Identify correct use of sep

   Using sep='-' between multiple arguments prints them separated by a dash.

2. Step 2: Check syntax correctness

   print('hello', 'world', sep='-') uses correct syntax. print('hello' + 'world', sep='-') concatenates strings before printing, ignoring sep. print('hello', 'world', end='-') uses end, which changes line ending, not separator. print('hello' - 'world') is invalid syntax.

3. Final Answer:

   print('hello', 'world', sep='-') -> Option D

4. Quick Check:

   sep='-' joins words with dash [OK]

Hint: Use sep between items, not inside strings [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Using + operator with sep parameter
• Confusing sep with end
• Trying to subtract strings

3. What is the output of this code?

print('A', 'B', 'C', sep='*', end='!')
print('D')

medium

A. A*B*C!D

B. A B C ! D

C. A*B*C
D

D. A B C!D

Solution

1. Step 1: Analyze first print()

   It prints 'A', 'B', 'C' separated by '*', ending with '!'. So output is 'A*B*C!'

2. Step 2: Analyze second print()

   It prints 'D' on the same line because first print ended with '!' (no newline).

3. Final Answer:

   A*B*C!D -> Option A

4. Quick Check:

   sep='*', end='!' joins and ends line [OK]

Hint: Remember end='' keeps output on same line [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Assuming default space separator
• Thinking end adds newline
• Ignoring end parameter effect

4. The following code prints 'Score:-10'. What is the fix to print 'Score: 10'?

print('Score:', score, sep='-')

Assuming score = 10.

medium

A. Convert score to string before printing.

B. Change sep to end parameter.

C. Remove sep parameter or use it correctly between multiple items.

D. Add parentheses around score.

Solution

1. Step 1: Understand sep usage

   The sep='-' parameter places '-' between 'Score:' and score, resulting in 'Score:-10'.

2. Step 2: Identify the fix

   To print 'Score: 10' with default space separator, remove the sep parameter.

3. Final Answer:

   Remove sep parameter or use it correctly between multiple items. -> Option C

4. Quick Check:

   remove sep -> default space [OK]

Hint: Use sep only when printing multiple items [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Confusing sep with end parameter
• Trying to convert variables unnecessarily
• Using sep with single string

5. How can you print the number 7.12345 rounded to 2 decimal places using print() and f-strings?

hard

A. print(f'{7.12345:2f}')

B. print(f'{7.12345:.2f}')

C. print(f'{7.12345:.2}')

D. print(f'{7.12345:.f2}')

Solution

1. Step 1: Understand f-string formatting

   To round a float to 2 decimals, use :.2f inside the braces.

2. Step 2: Check each option

   print(f'{7.12345:.2f}') uses correct syntax {value:.2f}. print(f'{7.12345:2f}') misses the dot before 2. print(f'{7.12345:.2}') uses wrong format specifier. print(f'{7.12345:.f2}') has incorrect order.

3. Final Answer:

   print(f'{7.12345:.2f}') -> Option B

4. Quick Check:

   Use .2f to round floats in f-strings [OK]

Hint: Use .2f inside f-string to round floats [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Omitting the dot before precision
• Using wrong format specifiers
• Mixing order of letters and numbers