Calculate text field using python script and keeping preceding zeroes

Question

I'm trying to calculate records in a text field to "01", keeping the preceding zero in tact using python script in ArcGis.

I can do this easily using the field calculator in ArcMap or the calculate field gp tool. But the script results in "1" instead of "01" and I can't figure out how to fix it.

arcpy.CalculateField_management("Table1","Field1","01","PYTHON","#")

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Answer 1

Try putting your number "01" into a second set of quotes "'01'" (double-quote then single-quote or the other way around)

arcpy.CalculateField_management("Table1","Field1","'01'","PYTHON","#")

Answer 2

Try using the .zfill() function somewhere in your code. Input the length you are needing in the parentheses, 2 in your case. This will pad the text field with 0s

• Midavalo: Could you please include an example of how to use .zfill()?
• Maksim: When i need to pad a field with 0's, say a ZIP code that is 00601, but displaying as 601. !ZIP!.zfill(5) would field calculate 2 0's in front, turning it into 00601