Python String lstrip() method

Python String lstrip() method returns a copy of the string with leading characters removed (based on the string argument passed). If no argument is passed, it removes leading spaces.

Python String lstrip() Method Syntax:

Syntax:  string.lstrip(characters)

Parameters:

• characters [optional]: A set of characters to remove as leading characters. By default, it uses space as the character to remove.

Return:  Returns a copy of the string with leading characters stripped.

Python String lstrip() Method Example:

Python3

string = "   geeksforgeeks"
# Removes spaces from left.
print(string.lstrip())

Output:

geeksforgeeks

Example 1: Program to demonstrate the use of lstrip() method using multiple characters

Python3

# string which is to be stripped
string = "++++x...y!!z* geeksforgeeks"

# Removes given set of characters from left.
print(string.lstrip("+.!*xyz"))

Output:

geeksforgeeks

Example 2:

Python3

# string which is to be stripped
string = "geeks for geeks"

# Argument doesn't contain leading 'g'
# So, no characters are removed
print(string.lstrip('ge'))

Output:

ks for geeks

Exception while using Python String lstrip() Method

There is an AttributeError when we try to use lstrip() method on any other data-type other than Python String.

Python3

nums = [1, 2, 3]
# prints the error message
print(nums.lstrip())

Output: 

print(list.lstrip()) 
AttributeError: 'list' object has no attribute 'lstrip'