


# 
## The `expandtabs()` method
There are occasions when it is necessary to specify the amount of space to be left in a string. 

The **`expandtabs()` method** in Python's library defines the amount of space to be substituted with the tab `\t`  symbol in the string.  

`expandtabs()` makes it easier and neater to add space in a string.

# 
#  Syntax

---
```
string_name.expandtabs(tabsize)
```
---
> `tabsize` is optional.

# 
## Parameters

- `tabsize`: specifies the amount of space that will be replaced by the tab symbol `\t` in the string.

---
> By default, `tabsize` is $8$.
---

##
## Return value

The `expandtabs()` method returns the modified string with the tabs replaced by spaces.

# 
## Code

The following code shows how to use the `expandtabs()` method in Python.

## 
### Example 1
The example below uses default spacing.

# Declaring variable
txt = "Welcome \t to \t Educative.io!"   

# Calling method  
txt2 = txt.expandtabs()  

# Display result  
print(txt2)  

## 
### Explanation 1

In the code above, we call `expandtabs()` without specifying `tabsize`. This automatically sets `tabsize` to its default value.

## 
### Example 2
In this example, we specify the `tabsize`.

# Declaring string 
txt = "Welcome \t to \t Educative.io! Here is a shot on String expandtabs() in python " 

# using expandtabs to insert spacing
print("The modified string using less spacing: "+  txt.expandtabs(2))
print("\r")
  
# using expandtabs to insert spacing
print("The modified string using more spacing: "+  txt.expandtabs(12))
print("\r")

## 
### Explanation 2

In the code above, we call `expandtabs()` with the `tabsize` argument.

Remember, the default `tabsize` is $8$, and the compiler uses the default if `tabsize` is not specified.

So, when compared to the default `tabsize`, `txt.expandtabs(2)` will insert less spacing and `txt.expandtabs(12)` will insert more spacing in the `txt` string.

What is String expandtabs() in Python?

expandtabs() in Python replaces tab characters with spaces, defaulting to 8 spaces if none specified.

What is String expandtabs() in Python?

The expandtabs() method

Syntax

Parameters

Return value

Code

Example 1

Explanation 1

Example 2

Explanation 2

The `expandtabs()` method