Python bool compare vs string compare

Question

This question is out of itch of being perfect.

I come across the case where I have to get parameter from post and check if it is True or False (in python), and accordingly call the LOC.

Obviously parameter read is of type <str> and if param: always return True.

I had two options now,
1. Convert <str> to <bool> (write own code to convert, or use ast.literal_eval or import from distutils.util import strtobool )
2. Do the string comparison like if param == "True":

The question is what would be the best practice to follow?

Please Down voters explain the reason.

Kishor Pawar
– Kishor Pawar

2016-06-03 13:31:11 +00:00
Commented Jun 3, 2016 at 13:31 — Kishor Pawar
– Kishor Pawar, Commented Jun 3, 2016 at 13:31

Adam Probert · Accepted Answer · 2016-06-03 13:20:53Z

2

I would certainly not go down the route of converting the string to a boolean, that's too much overhead for a simple logic statement. You should first ensure the parameter is either of the values 'True' or 'False'.

Then:

if (param == 'True'):
    # True code here
else:
    # False code here

answered Jun 3, 2016 at 13:20

Adam Probert

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1 Comment

Kishor Pawar Over a year ago

You are right, the read <str> parameter has already taken the memory, and converting it to bool will add additional overhead.

Akash Lodha · Accepted Answer · 2016-06-03 13:23:03Z

0

Memory Considerations:

For String
sys.getsizeof("True")
>> 41
sys.getsizeof("False")
>> 42

For Boolean
sys.getsizeof(True)
>> 24
sys.getsizeof(False)
>> 24

answered Jun 3, 2016 at 13:23

Akash Lodha

1009 bronze badges

3 Comments

Kishor Pawar Over a year ago

But then you have overhead of converting string to bool as said by @Adam Probert

Akash Lodha Over a year ago

I am checking the runtime overhead of conversion.. Will post the results after running test.

Akash Lodha Over a year ago

Well you can use cprofile and check for the runtime difference in your program. Memory wise boolean takes lesser space.

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