Python oct()
Function
The oct() function in Python converts an integer number into its octal string representation, prefixed with 0o
.
Octal numbers use base 8 and are often used in file permissions and low-level computing.
Syntax
oct(number)
Parameters:
number
– A valid integer (positive or negative)
Returns:
- A string that represents the octal value of the integer, prefixed with
0o
Example 1: Convert a Positive Integer to Octal
print(oct(10))
0o12
Explanation: 10 in decimal = 1×8 + 2 = 12 in octal
Example 2: Convert a Negative Integer
print(oct(-25))
-0o31
Explanation: The sign is preserved, and 25 in decimal = 3×8 + 1 = 31 in octal.
Example 3: Use with Hex or Binary Converted Values
print(oct(int('0xA', 16))) # Hexadecimal to Octal
0o12
Explanation: 0xA
(hex) = 10 (decimal) → 0o12
(octal)
Common Use Cases
- Understanding file permission bits in Unix/Linux systems (e.g.,
chmod 755
) - Working with low-level binary/octal representations
- Debugging bitwise operations or memory layouts
Important Notes
oct()
only accepts integers. Passing a float or string will raise aTypeError
.- The result is always a string, starting with
0o
.
Interview Tip
Functions like bin()
, oct()
, and hex()
are often used in bit manipulation problems. Know how to use them and convert between bases.
Summary
oct(n)
returns the octal string representation of an integern
.- The result starts with
0o
and is always a string. - Useful in systems programming, permissions, and binary logic.
Practice Problem
Write a Python program that reads a number from the user and prints its binary, octal, and hexadecimal forms.
num = int(input("Enter a number: "))
print("Octal:", oct(num))
print("Binary:", bin(num))
print("Hexadecimal:", hex(num))