Python httpx.stream() Guide: Stream HTTP Requests

Python's httpx.stream() is a powerful method for handling large HTTP responses efficiently. It allows you to stream data in chunks, making it ideal for processing large files or real-time data.

In this guide, we'll explore how to use httpx.stream(), its benefits, and practical examples. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced developer, this guide will help you master HTTP streaming in Python.

What is httpx.stream()?

The httpx.stream() method is part of the httpx library. It enables you to handle large HTTP responses without loading the entire response into memory. This is particularly useful for downloading large files or processing real-time data streams.

Unlike traditional methods like httpx.get(), which load the entire response at once, httpx.stream() processes the response in chunks. This reduces memory usage and improves performance.

How to Use httpx.stream()

To use httpx.stream(), you need to install the httpx library. If you haven't installed it yet, check out our guide on how to install httpx in Python.

Here's a basic example of how to use httpx.stream():

import httpx

with httpx.stream("GET", "https://example.com/large-file") as response:
    for chunk in response.iter_bytes():
        print(chunk)

In this example, we send a GET request to download a large file. The response is processed in chunks using response.iter_bytes(). This ensures that the file is downloaded and processed efficiently without consuming too much memory.

Benefits of Using httpx.stream()

Using httpx.stream() offers several benefits:

• Memory Efficiency: It processes data in chunks, reducing memory usage.
• Real-Time Processing: Ideal for handling real-time data streams.
• Improved Performance: Faster processing of large files or data streams.

For more advanced HTTP requests, you can explore other methods like httpx.request() or httpx.get().

Practical Example: Downloading a Large File

Let's look at a practical example where we download a large file using httpx.stream():

import httpx

url = "https://example.com/large-file.zip"
output_file = "large-file.zip"

with httpx.stream("GET", url) as response:
    with open(output_file, "wb") as file:
        for chunk in response.iter_bytes():
            file.write(chunk)

In this example, we download a large ZIP file and save it to disk. The file is written in chunks, ensuring efficient memory usage.

Handling Errors with httpx.stream()

When using httpx.stream(), it's important to handle errors gracefully. Here's an example of how to handle errors:

import httpx

try:
    with httpx.stream("GET", "https://example.com/large-file") as response:
        response.raise_for_status()
        for chunk in response.iter_bytes():
            print(chunk)
except httpx.HTTPStatusError as e:
    print(f"HTTP error occurred: {e}")
except httpx.RequestError as e:
    print(f"Request error occurred: {e}")

In this example, we use response.raise_for_status() to check for HTTP errors. If an error occurs, it is caught and handled appropriately.

Conclusion

Python's httpx.stream() is a powerful tool for handling large HTTP responses efficiently. It allows you to process data in chunks, reducing memory usage and improving performance.

Whether you're downloading large files or processing real-time data streams, httpx.stream() is an essential method to have in your toolkit. For more advanced HTTP requests, explore other methods like httpx.request() or httpx.get().

Start using httpx.stream() today and take your HTTP requests to the next level!