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Question 23 of 498
PCEP Computer Programming and Python Fundamentals Practice Question
Arrange the steps to read data from a text file in Python.
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Open the file, read the file contents, process the data, then close the file.
The correct sequence for reading data from a text file in Python is: first open the file using the open() function, then read its contents (e.g., with read() or readlines()), process the data as needed, and finally close the file with close(). Opening establishes a file handle, reading retrieves the data, processing uses it, and closing releases resources. Common mistakes include closing before processing, processing before reading, or reading before opening.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
Open the file, read the file contents, process the data, then close the file.
Why this is correct
Correct order: open, read, process, close. This ensures the file is properly handled and resources released.
- ✗
Open the file, read the file contents, close the file, then process the data.
Why it's wrong here
This sequence is incorrect because the file should be closed after processing the data. Closing before processing risks losing access to the file handle if you need to re-read or seek, and is not the recommended order.
- ✗
Open the file, process the data, read the file contents, then close the file.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect because you attempt to process data before reading it. The data is not available yet.
- ✗
Read the file contents, open the file, process the data, then close the file.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect because you attempt to read before opening the file. The file must be opened first to obtain a file object.
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Last reviewed: Jun 11, 2026
This PCEP practice question is part of Courseiva's free Python Institute certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the PCEP exam.
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