Zero filling attributes using ArcPy/Python?

Question

I am just learning python and I need to convert a 2 digit numeric attribute in a table to a 2 digit zero-filled attribute in a script.

For example, 9 needs to be 09.

Answer 1

See the zfill() help in python.org or this stackoverflow post. As @artwork mentions, you must convert the value to string and make the calculation. You can use zfill() inside the cursor, or use as an expression in the Calculate Field tool.

Answer 2

If you already have a value and you need to make it 2 digit value, have a look:

import sys

inputValue = sys.argv[1]
checkValue = int(inputValue)

if checkValue <= 9:
    inputValue = '0' + inputValue
print inputValue

input->output: 2 -> 02, 20 -> 20

Answer 3

This should do the trick (if using ArcGIS 10.1, for ArcGIS 10 you will have to use this update cursor):

1. First add a empty text field, e.g. textField to your feature class or shapefile.

2. You can run the below code in PythonWin, ArcMap, or ArcCatalog Python window. Or put it into a .py file and call it from a user created toolbox script tool.

Updated:

    import arcpy

    fc = "C://temp//Default.gdb//myLayer" # update to your layer
    fields = ('numField', 'textField') # put your numeric and text field here
    with arcpy.da.UpdateCursor(fc, fields) as cursor:
        for row in cursor:
            if row[0] <= 9:
                row[1] = '0' + str(row[0])
                cursor.updateRow(row)