Python httpx.stream_iterable() Guide: Stream Iterables

Python's httpx library is a powerful tool for making HTTP requests. One of its useful features is httpx.stream_iterable(). This method allows you to stream iterable data in HTTP requests.

Streaming data is essential when dealing with large datasets. It helps in managing memory efficiently. This guide will explain how to use httpx.stream_iterable() effectively.

What is httpx.stream_iterable()?

The httpx.stream_iterable() method is used to stream data from an iterable object. It is particularly useful when you need to send large amounts of data without loading it all into memory at once.

This method is part of the httpx library, which is known for its simplicity and performance. It is a great alternative to the standard requests library.

How to Use httpx.stream_iterable()

To use httpx.stream_iterable(), you need to pass an iterable object to it. This could be a list, generator, or any other iterable. The method will then stream the data in chunks.

Here is a simple example to demonstrate its usage:

import httpx

# Define an iterable
data = [b'chunk1', b'chunk2', b'chunk3']

# Stream the iterable
with httpx.stream('POST', 'https://httpbin.org/post', data=httpx.stream_iterable(data)) as response:
    print(response.json())

In this example, we are sending three chunks of data to the server. The server will receive the data in a streamed manner.

Example Output

When you run the above code, you will get an output similar to this:

{
  "args": {},
  "data": "chunk1chunk2chunk3",
  "files": {},
  "form": {},
  "headers": {
    "Content-Length": "18",
    "Content-Type": "application/octet-stream",
    "Host": "httpbin.org"
  },
  "json": null,
  "origin": "xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx",
  "url": "https://httpbin.org/post"
}

The server receives the data as a single string. This is because the chunks are concatenated during the streaming process.

Advantages of Using httpx.stream_iterable()

Using httpx.stream_iterable() has several advantages. First, it allows you to handle large datasets efficiently. You don't need to load all the data into memory at once.

Second, it provides better performance. Streaming data reduces the overhead of handling large files. This is especially useful when dealing with slow networks.

Finally, it is easy to use. The method integrates seamlessly with the httpx library. You can use it with other features like httpx.stream_file() and httpx.stream_raw().

Common Use Cases

httpx.stream_iterable() is commonly used in scenarios where you need to send large files or datasets. For example, you might use it to upload large log files to a server.

Another common use case is streaming data from a database. You can use a generator to fetch data in chunks and stream it using httpx.stream_iterable().

It is also useful in real-time data processing. You can stream data from a sensor or IoT device to a server for analysis.

Conclusion

In conclusion, httpx.stream_iterable() is a powerful method for streaming iterable data in HTTP requests. It is efficient, easy to use, and integrates well with the httpx library.

Whether you are dealing with large files, real-time data, or database queries, httpx.stream_iterable() can help you manage your data efficiently. For more advanced streaming techniques, check out our guides on httpx.stream_lines() and httpx.stream_json().