python file open modes
r for reading r+ opens for reading and writing (cannot truncate a file) w for writing w+ for writing and reading (can truncate a file) rb for reading a binary file. The file pointer is placed at the beginning of the file. rb+ reading or writing a binary file wb+ writing a binary file a+ opens for appending ab+ Opens a file for both appending and reading in binary. The file pointer is at the end of the file if the file exists. The file opens in the append mode. x open for exclusive creation, failing if the file already exists (Python 3)