expandtabs() method in Python

Python String expandtabs() Method specifies the amount of space to be substituted with the “\t” symbol in the string.

Python String expandtabs() Method Syntax

Syntax : expandtabs(space_size)

Parameters

• tabsize : Specifies the space that is to be replaced with the “\t” symbol in the string. By default the space is 8.

Return : Returns the modified string with tabs replaced by the space.

Python String expandtabs() Method Example

Example 1: expandtabs() With no Argument

Python3

string = "\t\tCenter\t\t"
print(string.expandtabs())

Output:

                Center          

Example 2: expandtabs() with different argument

Here, we have demonstrated multiple usages of the Python String expandtabs() Method with different tabsize parameter values.

Python3

# initializing string
string = "i\tlove\tgfg"

# using expandtabs to insert spacing
print("Modified string using default spacing: ", end ="")
print(string.expandtabs())
print()

# using expandtabs to insert spacing
print("Modified string using less spacing: ", end ="")
print(string.expandtabs(2))
print()

# using expandtabs to insert spacing
print("Modified string using more spacing: ", end ="")
print(string.expandtabs(12))
print()

Output:

Modified string using default spacing: i       love    gfg

Modified string using less spacing: i love  gfg

Modified string using more spacing: i           love        gfg

Exception :  Using expandtabs() on float or int types, raises AttributeError

TypeError when using expandtabs()

If we pass float or any other non-integer argument in “tabsize” parameter of Python String expandtabs() Method. It raises a TypeError.

Python3

string = "\tcenter\t"
print(string.expandtabs(1.1))

Output:

Traceback (most recent call last):
  File "/home/358ee0f95cc3b39382a3849ec716fc37.py", line 2, in <module>
    print(string.expandtabs(1.1))
TypeError: integer argument expected, got float

Applications : There are many possible applications where this can be used, such as text formatting or documentation, where user requirements keep on changing.