# Using `%` and `.format()` in Python ## Introduction In Python, formatting strings is a common task. Two popular methods to do this are using the `%` operator and the `.format()` method. Let's understand how to use them with simple examples. ## The `%` Operator The `%` operator is a traditional way to format strings. It places values in a string using placeholders. ### Example: ```python name = "Alice" age = 30 formatted_string = "My name is %s and I am %d years old." % (name, age) print(formatted_string) ```

Output: My name is Alice and I am 30 years old.

Here, `%s` is a placeholder for a string, and `%d` is a placeholder for an integer. ### More Placeholders: - `%s` - String - `%d` - Integer - `%f` - Floating-point number ## The `.format()` Method The `.format()` method is more flexible and was introduced in Python 3. It uses curly braces `{}` as placeholders in a string. ### Example: ```python name = "Bob" age = 25 formatted_string = "My name is {} and I am {} years old.".format(name, age) print(formatted_string) ```

Output: My name is Bob and I am 25 years old.

Here, `{}` are placeholders that get replaced by values passed to the `format()` method. ### Using Index Numbers: You can specify the order of values using index numbers inside `{}`. #### Example: ```python formatted_string = "My name is {0} and I am {1} years old. {0} loves coding.".format(name, age) print(formatted_string) ```

Output: My name is Bob and I am 25 years old. Bob loves coding.

### Using Keywords: You can also use keywords to make the code more readable. #### Example: ```python formatted_string = "My name is {name} and I am {age} years old.".format(name="Charlie", age=22) print(formatted_string) ```

Output: My name is Charlie and I am 22 years old.

## Conclusion Both `%` and `.format()` are useful for formatting strings in Python. The `%` operator is simple and good for basic formatting. The `.format()` method is more powerful and flexible for more complex string formatting needs. Happy coding!