Type Conversion in Python

Type Conversion in Python

Type conversion in Python refers to the process of converting one data type to another. Python provides two types of type conversion:

1. Implicit Type Conversion (also known as type coercion)

2. Explicit Type Conversion (also known as type casting)

Let’s explore both with examples.

---

1. Implicit Type Conversion (Type Coercion)

Python automatically converts one data type to another when required, without needing the programmer to specify the conversion. This typically happens when you perform operations involving different data types.

Example:

# Implicit Type Conversion Example
a = 10         # Integer
b = 5.5        # Float

# Python automatically converts the integer to float
result = a + b
print(result)  # Output: 15.5
print(type(result))  # Output: <class 'float'>

In the above example, the integer a is automatically converted to a float when added to the float b, resulting in a float output.

---

2. Explicit Type Conversion (Type Casting)

Explicit type conversion occurs when you manually convert one data type to another using Python’s built-in functions like int(), float(), str(), etc.

Common Type Conversion Functions:

• int(): Converts a value to an integer.

• float(): Converts a value to a float.

• str(): Converts a value to a string.

• bool(): Converts a value to a boolean (True or False).

---

Example 1: Converting String to Integer

# Converting string to integer
num_str = "25"
num_int = int(num_str)  # Converts the string to an integer
print(num_int)  # Output: 25
print(type(num_int))  # Output: <class 'int'>

In this example, the string "25" is converted to the integer 25.

---

Example 2: Converting Integer to Float

# Converting integer to float
num_int = 10
num_float = float(num_int)  # Converts the integer to a float
print(num_float)  # Output: 10.0
print(type(num_float))  # Output: <class 'float'>

Here, the integer 10 is explicitly converted to a float 10.0.

---

Example 3: Converting Float to Integer

# Converting float to integer
num_float = 10.75
num_int = int(num_float)  # Converts the float to an integer
print(num_int)  # Output: 10
print(type(num_int))  # Output: <class 'int'>

In this case, the float 10.75 is converted to the integer 10. Note that the decimal part is truncated (not rounded).

---

Example 4: Converting Integer to String

# Converting integer to string
num_int = 50
num_str = str(num_int)  # Converts the integer to a string
print(num_str)  # Output: "50"
print(type(num_str))  # Output: <class 'str'>

Here, the integer 50 is converted to the string "50".

---

Example 5: Converting String to Float

# Converting string to float
num_str = "20.5"
num_float = float(num_str)  # Converts the string to a float
print(num_float)  # Output: 20.5
print(type(num_float))  # Output: <class 'float'>

The string "20.5" is converted to the float 20.5.

---

Example 6: Boolean Conversion

# Converting other data types to boolean
num = 0
str_val = ""
list_val = []

# False values
print(bool(num))  # Output: False
print(bool(str_val))  # Output: False
print(bool(list_val))  # Output: False

# Non-zero values
num = 10
str_val = "Hello"
list_val = [1, 2, 3]

print(bool(num))  # Output: True
print(bool(str_val))  # Output: True
print(bool(list_val))  # Output: True

In Python, the following values are considered False when converted to boolean:

• 0 (integer)

• 0.0 (float)

• "" (empty string)

• [] (empty list)

• None

All other values are considered True.

---

Conclusion

Type conversion is an essential concept in Python. Understanding when and how to convert between data types helps you avoid errors and allows you to manipulate data effectively.

• Implicit Type Conversion happens automatically by Python when necessary.

• Explicit Type Conversion requires you to use built-in functions to convert data types manually.

Keep practicing these conversions to build a strong foundation for your Python programs. Happy Coding at codeswithpankaj.com! 🚀