> -----Original Message----- > From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:python- > [EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Ivan Novick > Sent: Friday, January 11, 2008 12:46 PM > To: python-list@python.org > Subject: Re: reading a specific column from file > > > You say you would like to "read" a specific column. I wonder if you > meant read all the data and then just seperate out the 3rd column or > if you really mean only do disk IO for the 3rd column of data and > thereby making your read faster. The second seems more interesting > but much harder and I wonder if any one has any ideas.
Do what databases do. If the columns are stored with a fixed size on disk, then you can simply compute the offset and seek to it. If the columns are of variable size, then you need to store (and maintain) the offsets in some kind of index. ***** The information transmitted is intended only for the person or entity to which it is addressed and may contain confidential, proprietary, and/or privileged material. Any review, retransmission, dissemination or other use of, or taking of any action in reliance upon this information by persons or entities other than the intended recipient is prohibited. If you received this in error, please contact the sender and delete the material from all computers. GA623 -- http://mail.python.org/mailman/listinfo/python-list