How to convert decimal string in python to a number? [duplicate]

Question

Possible Duplicate:
Python - Parse String to Float or Int

How can I convert '1.03' (string) to a number in Python, preferably a decimal ?

Answer 1

Just use float()

>>> float('1.03')
1.03

If you need an actual Decimal type, use the decimal module:

>>> from decimal import *
>>> Decimal('1.03')
Decimal('1.03')

In general, using floats will be easier for you, but you pay for that with the inexact precision that comes with floats.