multiple prints on the same line in Python

I want to run a script, which basically shows an output like this:

Installing XXX...               [DONE]

Currently, I print Installing XXX... first and then I print [DONE].

However, I now want to print Installing xxx... and [DONE] on the same line.

Any ideas?

Solution 1:

The Python 3 Solution

The print function accepts an end parameter which defaults to "\n". Setting it to an empty string prevents it from issuing a new line at the end of the line.

def install_xxx():
    print("Installing XXX...      ", end="", flush=True)

install_xxx()
print("[DONE]")

Pyhton 2 Solution

Putting a comma on the end of the print line prevents print from issuing a new line (you should note that there will be an extra space at the end of the output).

def install_xxx():
   print "Installing XXX...      ",

install_xxx()
print "[DONE]"

Solution 2:

You can simply use this:

print 'something',
...
print ' else',

and the output will be

something else

no need to overkill by import sys. Pay attention to comma symbol at the end.

Python 3+ print("some string", end=""); to remove the newline insert at the end. Read more by help(print);

Solution 3:

You should use backspace '\r' or ('\x08') char to go back on previous position in console output

Python 2+:

import time
import sys

def backspace(n):
    sys.stdout.write((b'\x08' * n).decode()) # use \x08 char to go back   

for i in range(101):                        # for 0 to 100
    s = str(i) + '%'                        # string for output
    sys.stdout.write(s)                     # just print
    sys.stdout.flush()                      # needed for flush when using \x08
    backspace(len(s))                       # back n chars    
    time.sleep(0.2)                         # sleep for 200ms

Python 3:

import time   

def backline():        
    print('\r', end='')                     # use '\r' to go back


for i in range(101):                        # for 0 to 100
    s = str(i) + '%'                        # string for output
    print(s, end='')                        # just print and flush
    backline()                              # back to the beginning of line    
    time.sleep(0.2)                         # sleep for 200ms

This code will count from 0% to 100% on one line. Final value will be:

> python test.py
100%

Additional info about flush in this case here: Why do python print statements that contain 'end=' arguments behave differently in while-loops?

Solution 4:

Use sys.stdout.write('Installing XXX... ') and sys.stdout.write('Done'). In this way, you have to add the new line by hand with "\n" if you want to recreate the print functionality. I think that it might be unnecessary to use curses just for this.

Solution 5:

Most simple:

Python 3

    print('\r' + 'something to be override', end='')

It means it will back the cursor to beginning, than will print something and will end in the same line. If in a loop it will start printing in the same place it starts.