Скачать или смотреть How to Convert a String to Bytes in Python

Learn how to effortlessly convert a string to bytes in Python. This guide explains the process, addressing common pitfalls and showcasing a simple solution for beginners.
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How to Convert a String to Bytes in Python: A Step-by-Step Guide

Are you new to Python and struggling to convert a string to bytes? You're not alone! Many beginners encounter challenges while learning how to manipulate data types. One common problem is converting a hex-formatted string into the desired byte format. In this guide, we’ll answer the question: How can I convert a string to bytes in Python, ensuring the length is what I want?

Understanding the Problem

In your case, you have a string that represents a sequence of hexadecimal digits. The initial string is:

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When you try to convert this string into bytes, you’re expecting it to yield a byte array with a length of 18. However, the method you initially used resulted in a byte object with 24 bytes due to how strings are handled in ASCII encoding.

Why is the Length Different?

When you attempted the conversion using the bytes function with ASCII encoding, Python treated each character as a single byte. This results in a longer byte array, which doesn’t align with your requirement of having a specific length.

The Solution: Using bytes.fromhex()

To achieve your goal of converting the hex string into a byte array with the desired length, we can utilize the bytes.fromhex() method. This built-in function is specifically designed to handle hex strings, converting every two characters into one byte.

Step-by-Step Guide to Convert the String

Follow these simple steps to convert your string and obtain the correct byte length:

Define Your String: Keep your original hex string intact.

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Convert the String Using fromhex(): Use the bytes.fromhex() method to convert the string to bytes.

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Check the Output: Print the converted byte data and verify the length.

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Complete Code Example

For your convenience, here’s the complete code snippet that you can use:

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Conclusion

By using bytes.fromhex(), you can effectively convert your hexadecimal string representation to a byte array of the desired length. This function interprets each pair of hex characters as a single byte, allowing for precise conversions without adding unnecessary bytes. Whether you're just starting with Python or expanding your data manipulation skills, mastering this concept will undoubtedly prove useful in your programming journey.

So, next time you need to convert a hex string into bytes, remember this simple solution. Happy coding in Python!