Python is an extremely versatile programming language with a vast library of built-in functions. One such valuable function is the conversion of hexadecimal strings to integers. In the world of programming and data analysis, the transformation of data types is a common occurrence. In this tutorial, we will guide you on how to convert a hexadecimal string to an integer in Python using inbuilt Python functions.
Step 1: Understand What is a Hexadecimal String
Hexadecimal is a positional number system that uses base 16. This means it has 16 symbols which are 0-9 and A-F to represent values ten to fifteen. For example, the decimal number ’10’ is ‘A’ in hexadecimal.
Step 2: The int() Function in Python
The int() function in Python is typically known for converting a number or string to an integer. This built-in function can also convert a hexadecimal string to an integer when used with an additional base parameter. This function takes two parameters: the number in the form of a string, and the base of the number.
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dec_val = int(hex_string, 16) |
Step 3: Performing the Conversion
In order to convert a hexadecimal string to a decimal number or integer, we must pass the hexadecimal string and 16 (as the base) to the int() function.
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hex_string = '1A' dec_val = int(hex_string, 16) print('The decimal value is :', dec_val) |
Step 4: Interpreting the Output
After running the above code, you will get the output:
The decimal value is : 26
This output indicates that the hexadecimal string ‘1A’ is equivalent to the number 26 in decimal.
Full Code
Below is the full Python code that converts a hexadecimal string into an integer:
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hex_string = '1A' dec_val = int(hex_string, 16) print('The decimal value is :', dec_val) |
Conclusion
With Python’s built-in functions, converting a hexadecimal string to an integer becomes a simple task. The int() function with its two parameters, the number string and the base of the number, allows for these quick data type transformations. Understanding how to utilize these functions will not only aid in the manipulation and analysis of data but also enhance your Python programming skillset.