Python program to remove last N characters from a string

In this article, we’ll explore different ways to remove the last N characters from a string in Python. This common string manipulation task can be achieved using slicing, loops, or built-in methods for efficient and flexible solutions.

Using String Slicing

String slicing is one of the simplest and most efficient ways to manipulate strings in Python. By leveraging slicing, we can easily remove the last N characters from a string with minimal code.

s = "GeeksForGeeks"
n = 3
# Remove the last N characters
result = s[:-n]
print(result)

GeeksForGe

Explanation:

• s[:-n] slices the string from the start to the position len(s) - n, effectively removing the last N characters.
• If n is 0, it keeps the entire string unchanged.

Let's explore various other methods :

Using a Loop

Using a loop, we can iteratively construct a new string by excluding the last N characters from the original string

s = "GeeksForGeeks"
n = 3
# Remove the last N characters
result = ""
for i in range(len(s) - n):
    result += s[i]
print(result)

GeeksForGe

Explanation:

• This approach iterates through the string up to len(s) - n and appends each character to a new string, omitting the last N characters.

Using rstrip with Conditions

The rstrip method, combined with conditions, allows us to remove the last N characters by treating them as a specific substring to strip.

# Input string and N
s = "GeeksForGeeks"
n = 3
# Remove the last N characters
result = s.rstrip(s[-n:]) if n > 0 else s
print(result)

GeeksForG

Explanation:

• rstrip(s[-n:]) removes the last N characters by treating them as a substring to strip.
• This approach is useful if the string has trailing characters that match those being removed.

Using join and List Slicing

By combining list slicing with join, we can efficiently create a new string that excludes the last N characters from the original.

s = "GeeksForGeeks"
n = 3
# Remove the last N characters
result = ''.join(s[:len(s) - n])
print(result)

GeeksForGe

Explanation:

• This approach slices the string up to len(s) - n and then joins the resulting characters into a new string.