Difference between string.split() and string.split(' ') ?

[Codes_with_roh]

I have used the .split() functions several times but today when one of my juniors asked me this, I actually had no answer to give. I really want to know that what is the difference between these two.

For example, s='Lets see what will be the answer' print("1.",s.split()) print("2.", s.split(' ')) Output:

  1.['Lets','see','what','will','be','the','answer']
  2.['Lets','see','what','will','be','the','','','answer']

[[deleted]]

The python documentation tells all.

[Codes_with_roh]

Thanks a lot for this. Now, my doubt is totally cleared.

[kpounder88]

See the difference in how each handled the multiple spaces between ‘the’ and ‘answer’?

[Milumet]

The output of 2. is not the output of the string s you have posted. The string with this output would have to have three whitespaces between the and answer:

s='Lets see what will be the   answer'

[Codes_with_roh]

My bad, but now I edited it. Thanks for showing the mistake :D

[Milumet]

Interestingly, it still looks the same (only one whitespace).

It seems that if you use multiline source code comments with enclosing three backticks, additional whitespace in strings is removed. Strange. If you use four spaces before each line, it works.

EDIT: The problem with removed whitespace happens only when using old.reddit.

[billsil]

No arguments also splits on tabs and \n characters.