What is the Use of Triple Quotes in Python?

Before discussing the use of Python triple quotes, let me ask you a question. Have you ever created multi-line strings in Python?

First, we will discuss the use of Python triple quotes, which are used in making multi-line strings. It is possible to span strings across many lines using Python triple quotes. It can also be applied to lengthy comments inside the code. Triple quotes can also contain special characters like TAB, verbatim, or NEWLINES. As the name would imply, the syntax consists of three single or double quotes placed consecutively.

Syntax

Python Triple Quote for Multi-line Strings

Basically, the multi-line string will be used as a comment in the code. In the following example, we will be using a multi-line string as a comment. We will be implementing Python triple quotes using double quotes(“““ ”””) as well as single quotes (‘‘‘ ’’’).

Example 1

Output

Explanation In the above example, we are using triple quotes to create a multi-line string that acts as a comment.

Example 2 This example is the same as example 1. But here, we are taking single quotes to make a multi-line string.

Code

Output

Python Triple Quotes for String Creation

In Python, we normally create strings using double quotes (example: “Welcome to Scaler”). But string creation is possible using triple quotes, also. Also, we can create a multi-line string using triple quotes. Using normal double quotes, you cannot create a multi-line string. For that, you need to use triple quotes. Furthermore, we will cover some examples that will cover major types of string creation.

Code

Output

Explanation

Example 1: In the example 1, we are creating a multi-line string using Python triple quotes(“““ ”””).

Example 2: In the example 2, we are creating a multi-line string using single Python triple quotes(‘‘‘ ’’’).

Example 3: In the third example, we are creating a string that ignores the end of the line using the ‘\’ character.

Python Tripe Quote for Docstrings

Python documentation strings, often known as docstrings, offer a practical manner of connecting documentation to Python modules, classes, functions, and methods. It is stated in the source code that it is used to document a particular section of code, like a comment. The docstring should explain what the function does, not how it completes it, unlike standard source code comments. Following is the example of triple quotes that is used in creating docstrings.

Code

Output

Advantages of Using Python Triple Quote

• We can use triple quotes to create a multi-line string.
• Triple quotes are used to span multiple lines, and they also serve as docstrings. Docstring is basically a convenient way of associating documentation with Python modules.
• Multi-line comments can also be created using triple quotes.
• It can also be used for evaluating complex expressions, and docstrings.

Disadvantages of Using Python Triple Quote

• If you use triple quotes to comment a line, then the Python interpreter will read it as a line. This will increase interpreter time.

Learn more

If you like this article, you refer to more such interesting blogs on Scaler Topics. Following are links to some blogs that might help you!

• Comments in Python
• Operators in Python
• Strings in Python
• String Methods Python