What is the difference between try-finally and context managers in Python?

What is the difference between try-finally and context managers in Python?

In Python, both try-finally and context managers are used for resource management, but they have different use cases. Try-finally is a block that ensures certain code runs after a try block, regardless of whether an exception occurred. Context managers, on the other hand, are a more elegant way to manage resources, using the with statement to ensure that resources are properly acquired and released.

Can you give me an example of each?

Sure! Here's a simple example of try-finally:

file = open('example.txt', 'r')
try:
    data = file.read()
finally:
    file.close()

And here's an example using a context manager:

with open('example.txt', 'r') as file:
    data = file.read()

In the context manager example, the file is automatically closed when the block is exited.

Which one is preferred in modern Python?

Context managers are generally preferred in modern Python because they provide cleaner syntax and automatically handle resource management, reducing the risk of errors like forgetting to close a file.

Are there any situations where try-finally is better?

Yes, try-finally can be more appropriate in situations where you need to ensure cleanup actions that are not related to resource management, or when you need to handle multiple resources in a more complex way.