How to add a new line in Python?
Tags: python, tutorial, beginners, programming
Published: 2021-08-19 12:14:50

In this short tutorial, we look at how to add a Python new line. We look at the Python new line character and how the other methods can be used. 

This tutorial is a part of our initiative at [Flexiple](https://flexiple.com/), to write short curated tutorials around often used or interesting concepts.

### Table of Contents - Python new line:
- [Python new line](#python-new-line)
- [Newline character in Python](#newline-character-in-python)
- [Multi-line string](#multiline-strings)
- [Closing thoughts - Python new line](#closing-thoughts-python-new-line)

## Python new line:
In programming, it is a common practice to break lines and display content in a new line. This improves the readability of the output. Apart from that, you would frequently come across the new line character a lot while working with files. 

Hence it is quite important that you understand how to add a new line and familiarise yourself with how the new line character works. This tutorial is aimed to do the same. 

## Newline character in Python:
In Python, the new line character “\n” is used to create a new line. When inserted in a string all the characters after the character are added to a new line. Essentially the occurrence of the “\n” indicates that the line ends here and the remaining characters would be displayed in a new line. 

### Code and Explanation:
```python
str_1 = "Hire the top \n1% freelance developers"

print(str_1)
‘’’Output - Hire the top 
1% freelance developers’’’
```

As aforementioned, the character after the new line character is printed in a new line.

Different ways to implement this would include either adding it to string directly, or concatenating it before printing it.
A common question that beginners have while learning how to apply a new line is - since we are adding it to a string - Why doesn’t Python print “\n” as it is? And how does it know that a new line must be added? 

Well, the backslash (“\”) in the new line character is called an escape sequence. Escape sequences are used to add anything illegal to a string. This way Python understands that the following character is not a part of a string and executes it.
 
## Multiline Strings:
Multiline strings are another easy way to print text in a new line. As the name suggests the string itself spans over multiple lines. These strings can be assigned by using either 3 double quotes or 3 single quotes. Python understands that the string is a multiline string and prints it as such.
   
## Code and Explanation:
```python
str_1 = """Hire the top 
1% freelance 
developers"""

print(str_1)

'''Output - Hire the top 
1% freelance 
developers'''
```

In the above example, the string is printed in the same way as the information was passed. 

## Closing thoughts - Python new line:
Although both methods can be used in Python to add new lines I would recommend using the first method as it is the most commonly accepted method. Also, given Python has an in-built character that facilitates this it is best to utilize it. 

However, please feel free to explore and understand how the multiline method works.