Introduction: Python chr() Function
When working with Python, there are situations where you need to convert Unicode values into their corresponding characters. Whether you’re generating letters, displaying symbols, or working with Unicode text, doing this manually can make the code longer and less readable.
Without a built-in solution, converting Unicode values into characters would require additional lookup tables or custom logic, making programs harder to maintain.
A simple and efficient solution to these situations is the Python chr() Function.
What it is: The chr() function is a built-in Python function that converts a Unicode code point (integer) into its corresponding character. It is commonly used when working with Unicode values, character generation, and text processing.
Take a look at a quick example to see how it works.
You can also explore its real-world use cases to learn where it is commonly used.
Now let’s explore its syntax, parameters, return value, and practical examples.
💡 Tip: The chr() function is one of many useful Python built-in functions. Explore the complete Python Built-in Functions Learning Guide to discover more functions with practical examples.
Syntax, Parameters, Return Value and Examples: Python chr() Function
The following section explains the syntax, parameters, return value, and a quick example of the Python chr() Function.
Syntax
chr(i)
Parameters
| Parameter | Description |
|---|---|
i |
An integer representing a valid Unicode code point. |
Return Value
| Return Value | Description |
|---|---|
str |
Returns the character corresponding to the specified Unicode code point. |
Quick Example
The following example converts a Unicode value into its corresponding character.
result = chr(65)
print(result)
# Output:
A
The chr() function converts the Unicode value 65 into its corresponding character, which is 'A'.
How the Python chr() Function Works
- The
chr()function accepts a single integer argument. - The integer must represent a valid Unicode code point.
- It converts the Unicode value into its corresponding character.
- The resulting character is returned as a string.
- It supports the complete Unicode character set, including letters, digits, symbols, and emojis.
Examples: Python chr() Function
The following examples show how the Python chr() Function works in different programming scenarios.
Example 1: Converting a Unicode Value into a Character
result = chr(97)
print(result)
# Output:
a
Explanation: The Unicode value 97 represents the lowercase letter 'a'. The chr() function converts the numeric value into its corresponding character.
Example 2: Creating Uppercase Letters
for code in range(65, 71):
print(chr(code), end=" ")
# Output:
A B C D E F
Explanation: Instead of typing each letter manually, the loop generates uppercase letters by converting consecutive Unicode values into characters.
Example 3: Displaying Characters from User Input
code = int(input("Enter a Unicode value: "))
print(chr(code))
# Sample Output:
Enter a Unicode value: 36
$
Explanation: After reading the Unicode value from the user, chr() converts it into the corresponding character and displays the result.
Example 4: Creating a Word from Unicode Values
print(chr(80) + chr(121) + chr(116) + chr(104) + chr(111) + chr(110))
# Output:
Python
Explanation: Here, several chr() calls are joined together to create the word Python from its Unicode values.
Example 5: Printing Special Symbols
print(chr(169))
print(chr(174))
print(chr(8364))
# Output:
©
®
€
Explanation: The Unicode values 169, 174, and 8364 represent the copyright symbol (©), registered trademark symbol (®), and Euro sign (€). The chr() function converts each Unicode value into its corresponding symbol.
Example 6: Printing an Emoji Using chr()
print(chr(128512))
# Output:
😀
Explanation: The chr() function also supports Unicode emojis. When a valid emoji code point is provided, it returns the corresponding emoji character.
Example 7: Handling Invalid Unicode Values
try:
print(chr(-1))
except ValueError as e:
print(e)
# Output:
chr() arg not in range(0x110000)
Explanation: The chr() function accepts Unicode code points only in the range 0 to 1114111 (0x10FFFF). Since -1 falls outside this valid range, Python raises a ValueError. In this example, the exception is handled using a try-except block, allowing the error message to be displayed instead of stopping the program.
Use Cases: When to use the chr() Function
Below are some common situations where the Python chr() Function becomes useful:
- Converting Unicode values into characters.
- Generating letters programmatically.
- Working with Unicode text and symbols.
- Creating strings from Unicode code points.
- Displaying special symbols and emojis.
- Processing character-based data in text applications.
Key Takeaways: chr() Function
Before wrapping up, here are the key points to remember about the Python chr() Function:
- The
chr()function converts a Unicode code point into its corresponding character. - It accepts a single integer representing a valid Unicode value.
- It returns the resulting character as a string.
- It supports the complete Unicode character set, including emojis.
- It is useful for generating letters, symbols, and other Unicode characters.
- It provides a simple way to convert numeric Unicode values into readable characters.
In short, the Python chr() Function provides a simple and reliable way to convert Unicode values into characters, making text processing and Unicode-related programming much easier.