What Is the Difference Between Triple Single Quotes and Triple Double Quotes in Python?
The difference between triple single quotes (''') and triple double quotes (""") in Python is functionally insignificant — both are used for the same purposes, namely:
Common Uses of Triple Quotes (''' or """)
- Writing multi-line strings
- Writing docstrings (documentation for functions/classes/modules)
- Avoiding escape characters (e.g., when quotes are inside the string)
Main Difference: Style & Convention
| Aspect | Triple Single Quote (''') |
Triple Double Quote (""") |
|---|---|---|
| Functionality | Same | Same |
| Docstring Convention | Not recommended | Recommended by PEP 257 |
| Text containing double quotes | More convenient | May require escaping |
| Community practice | Rarely used for docstrings | Common for docstrings |
Example 1: Multi-line String
text1 = '''This is a
string using single quotes
and spans multiple lines.'''
text2 = """This is also a
string using double quotes
and spans multiple lines."""
Example 2: Docstring (Documentation Comment)
def add(a, b):
"""Returns the result of adding a and b."""
return a + b
According to PEP 257 (Python’s docstring convention), triple double quotes (
""") are recommended for docstrings.
Example 3: Quotes Inside Strings
dialog = '''He said, "I’ll be there."''' # Convenient, no escape needed
quote = """He said, "I’ll be there."""" # Also valid
If you want to include single quotes (') in your string, using triple double quotes can help avoid the need for escapes.
Conclusion:
| Use | When |
|---|---|
''' |
For multi-line strings, especially if they include double quotes |
""" |
For docstrings (functions, classes, modules), and preferred for documentation in Python |
So, there’s no technical difference, but there is a style convention.
If you're writing a library or open-source code, it's better to use """ for docstrings to follow Python’s best practices.
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