What is a Python Equivalent of PHP's Vardump

While debugging the code, we usually need to verify the type and values of variables. For this particular manual task, PHP offers the function var_dump(). This function gives a variable’s type and value.

Now, let’s see the methods.

Table of Contents

• What is Python’s Equivalent of PHP’s ‘var_dump()’?
• Alternative Python Functions of PHP’s ‘var_dump()’
  • Using ‘pprint.pprint()’
  • Using ‘type()’
  • Using ‘dir()’
  • Using `vars()`
  • Using ‘json.dumps()’
• Conclusion
• FAQs

What is Python’s Equivalent of PHP’s ‘var_dump()’?

In PHP, ‘var_dump()’ helps us see details about a variable. In Python, we can use tools like ‘pprint’ and ‘inspect’ to do the same and see more information about objects easily.

Alternative Python Functions of PHP’s ‘var_dump()’

Using ‘pprint.pprint()’

Python’s `pprint` module is abbreviated as pretty print. It is a great alternative to PHP’s `var_dump()`. It formats and displays complex data structures in a readable way. 

import pprint
data = {"name": "Alice", "age": 25, "skills": ["Python", "PHP", "JavaScript"]}
pprint.pprint(data)

Output:

Explanation:

Here, ‘pprint.pprint()’ takes a complex dictionary and prints it in a structured format, making it easy to read and debug. 

Using ‘type()’

The ‘type()’ function helps determine the data type of a variable, similar to how ‘var_dump()’ shows type information in PHP. 

Example:

x = 42

print(type(x))

Output:

Explanation: 

The ‘type()’ function returns the data type of the variable. This helps understand what kind of value a variable holds. 

Using ‘dir()’

If you’d like to check all the attributes and methods of an object, `dir()` is the best tool to use.

Example:

<pre>

x = "Hello"

print(dir(x)

Output:

Explanation:

The ‘dir()’ function returns a list of all methods and attributes associated with the object. This is helpful when working with unfamiliar objects. 

Using `vars()`

For custom objects, ‘vars()’ offers a simple way to view their instance attributes.

Example:

class Person:

    def __init__(self, name, age):

        self.name = name

        self.age = age

p = Person("Alice", 25)

print(vars(p))

Output:

Explanation:

The ‘vars()’ function returns the object’s attributes as a dictionary, which helps in debugging objects. 

Using ‘json.dumps()’

If you want to format structured data neatly, you can use `json.dumps()`. It’s a great tool for that.

Example:

import json

data = {"name": "Alice", "age": 25, "skills": ["Python", "PHP"]}

print(json.dumps(data, indent=4))

Output:

Explanation:

The `json.dumps()` function formats the dictionary into an easy-to-read JSON format. 

Conclusion

In PHP, `var_dump()` helps check the type and value of variables. In Python, you can do the same with tools like `pprint.pprint()` for neat printing, `type()` to check variable types, `dir()` to list object methods, `vars()` to see object attributes, and `json.dumps()` for readable data. These methods make it easy to inspect and debug variables in Python, just like `var_dump()` in PHP. If you want to become a Python expert, you should refer to our industry driven Python course.

FAQs