Bytes

In Python, a bytes object is an immutable sequence of integers in the range 0 <= x < 256. It represents raw binary data. Bytes are essential for handling binary data, such as network communication, file I/O, and image processing.

Creating Bytes Objects

There are several ways to create bytes objects:

1.    Using the bytes() constructor:

o    From a string:

Python

text = "Hello"

byte_data = bytes(text, encoding='utf-8')

print(byte_data)  # Output: b'Hello'

o    From an iterable of integers:

Python

byte_data = bytes([65, 66, 67])

print(byte_data)  # Output: b'ABC'

o    From a given size:

Python

byte_data = bytes(5)

print(byte_data)  # Output: b'\x00\x00\x00\x00\x00'

2.    Using a byte literal:

Python

byte_data = b'Hello'

print(byte_data)  # Output: b'Hello'

Accessing Bytes

You can access individual bytes using indexing:

Python

byte_data = b'Hello'

first_byte = byte_data[0]  # Output: 72

Immutability

Bytes objects are immutable, meaning you cannot modify their contents after creation.

Common Operations

• Slicing: Extract a portion of the bytes object.

• Concatenation: Combine two bytes objects using the + operator.

• Membership testing: Check if a byte value is present using the in keyword.

• Length: Get the number of bytes using len().

Example

Python

byte_data = b'Hello, world!'

# Slicing

first_five_bytes = byte_data[:5]

print(first_five_bytes)  # Output: b'Hello'

# Concatenation

new_data = byte_data + b' How are you?'

print(new_data)  # Output: b'Hello, world! How are you?'

# Membership testing

if 72 in byte_data:

    print("H is present")

Key Points

• Bytes objects represent raw binary data.

• They are immutable.

• Used for handling binary data, network communication, and file I/O.

• Can be created from strings, integers, or other byte-like objects.