Does Python csv writer always use DOS end-of-line characters?

Question

I realize that the csv library in Python always generates DOS end-of-line characters. Even if I use the 'wb' mode, even if I use Linux.

import csv

f = open('output.txt', 'wb');
writer = csv.writer(f)
writer.writerow([2,3,4]);
f.close()

The above code always uses 'rn' as the end of line separator. How can I make it use use 'n' only?

Asked By: CuriousMind

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Source

Answer 1

You can give your writer instance a custom lineterminator argument in the constructor:

writer = csv.writer(f, lineterminator="n")

Answered By: Niklas B.

Answer 2

As Niklas answered, the lineterminator argument lets you choose your line endings. Rather than hard coding it to 'n', make it platform independent by using your platform’s line separator: os.linesep. Also, make sure to specify newline='' for Python 3 (see this comment).

import csv
import os

with open('output.csv', 'w', newline='') as f:
    writer = csv.writer(f, lineterminator=os.linesep)
    writer.writerow([2, 3, 4])

Old solution (Python 2 only)

In Python 2, use 'wb' mode (see the docs).

import csv
import os

with open('output.csv', 'wb') as f:
    writer = csv.writer(f, lineterminator=os.linesep)
    writer.writerow([2, 3, 4])

For others who find this post, don’t miss the 'wb' if you’re still using Python 2. (In Python 3, this problem is handled by Python). You won’t notice a problem if you’re missing it on some platforms like GNU/Linux, but it is important to open the file in binary mode on platforms where that matters, like Windows. Otherwise, the csv file can end up with line endings like rrn. If you use the 'wb' and os.linesep, your line endings should be correct on all platforms.

Answered By: Don Kirkby

Does Python csv writer always use DOS end-of-line characters?

Question:

Answers:

Old solution (Python 2 only)