textwrap

Module wrap_algorithms

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Word wrapping algorithms.

After a text has been broken into words (or Fragments), one now has to decide how to break the fragments into lines. The simplest algorithm for this is implemented by wrap_first_fit(): it uses no look-ahead and simply adds fragments to the line as long as they fit. However, this can lead to poor line breaks if a large fragment almost-but-not-quite fits on a line. When that happens, the fragment is moved to the next line and it will leave behind a large gap.

A more advanced algorithm, implemented by [wrap_optimal_fit()], will take this into account. The optimal-fit algorithm considers all possible line breaks and will attempt to minimize the gaps left behind by overly short lines.

While both algorithms run in linear time, the first-fit algorithm is about 4 times faster than the optimal-fit algorithm.

Enums§

Functions§

  • Wrap abstract fragments into lines with a first-fit algorithm.