' \ ' Escapes in Python

I have previously mentioned that '\n' codes for a new line. The backslash is known in Python as an escape.

>>> print "\tThis is a tabbed line"
 This is a tabbed line
>>> print "This sentence \nis split on \nthree lines"
This sentence 
is split on 
three lines
>>> print "Type \\ for a backslash"
Type \ for a backslash
>>> print "Verticle \vTab"
Verticle 
         Tab
>>> print "Shopping List: \vPrenatal vitamins \vCocoa Butter \
... \vOrange juice"
Shopping List: 
               Prenatal vitamins 
                                 Cocoa Butter 
                                              Orange juice
>>> print "Shopping List: \n\t*Prenatal vitamins \  
...\n\t*Cocoa Butter \n\t*Orange juice"
Shopping List: 
 *Prenatal vitamins 
 *Cocoa Butter 
 *Orange juice
>>> print 'Prevent the single quote 5\'5" from ending the string'
Prevent the single quote 5'5" from ending the string
>>> print "Prevent the double quote 5'5\" from ending the string"
Prevent the double quote 5'5" from ending the string

Notice that I also used a backslash in my string so that I could continue onto the next ine without Python thinking my string was done. There are other escapes in Python you can read about. "Carriage return" is a term from type writers to mean that you move to the beginning of a line. Linefeed and formfeed are also typewriter terms. \n and \t will be the most frequently used, though you may also want to be familiar with other escapes for unique problems.