You are inspecting the low-level representation of permissions, bit masks or identifiers.
What You Need to Understand
hex(integer) returns a string representation of an integer in base 16 (hexadecimal). Its usual output includes the 0x prefix so the base is visible. It does not change the integer itself.
When to Use It
You are inspecting the low-level representation of permissions, bit masks or identifiers.
Step-by-Step Python Example
number = 255
print(hex(number))
print(hex(-number))
print(type(hex(number)).__name__)How the Example Works
The function returns text, including a sign for a negative value. The last line prints str, showing that the result is not an integer.
Example Output
0xff
-0xff
str
ffA Second Example
Compare this smaller variation with the main example, then experiment with your own values.
number = 255
formatted = format(number, "x")
print(formatted)Important Behavior and Edge Cases
Use int(text, base) when converting a formatted representation back to a number. Leading prefixes are not regular digits in the corresponding base.
Try It Yourself
Convert the integer 64 and explain the prefix in the output.
Common Beginner Mistakes
- Use
int(text, base)when converting a formatted representation back to a number. Leading prefixes are not regular digits in the corresponding base. - Applying a string method before defining whether text is intended for display, comparison, parsing, or input validation.
Key Takeaways
hex(integer)returns a string representation of an integer in base 16 (hexadecimal).- The function returns text, including a sign for a negative value.
- Use
int(text, base)when converting a formatted representation back to a number.