How to Create Columnized Output in Python Using Format Strings?

Creating Columnized Output in Python

Problem:

In Python, you want to create a column-aligned list of data, similar to the output of the Linux 'column -t' command, which dynamically adjusts column widths based on the longest value present.

Solution:

Using Python 2.6 Format Strings:

Python's format strings provide a powerful mechanism for formatting and aligning data. To create a columnized list using format strings:

<code class="python">table_data = [
    ['a', 'b', 'c'],
    ['aaaaaaaaaa', 'b', 'c'],
    ['a', 'bbbbbbbbbb', 'c']
]
for row in table_data:
    print("{: >20} {: >20} {: >20}".format(*row))</code>

The {: >20} format specifier indicates that each value should be right-aligned in a column of at least 20 characters wide. This ensures that the columns are aligned regardless of the length of individual values.

Output:

               a                    b                    c
      aaaaaaaaaa                    b                    c
               a           bbbbbbbbbb                    c

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