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How to Convert Decimal to Octal in Python? Program with Examples

Various number systems play a vital role in representing and manipulating data in the field of programming. While we are used to the decimal system, which is based on the number 10, computer systems often utilize different number systems to optimize data storage and processing efficiency. One such system is the octal number system.

The octal system is a base-8 number system, which means it uses eight distinct digits: 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7. Each digit represents a unique value in powers of 8. Converting decimal to octal in Python is an essential skill for programmers, as it allows them to work with and interpret octal representations of data within various programming domains.

In this post, we will learn how to convert decimal to octal in Python. We will provide a step-by-step guide, complete with examples, to help you grasp the concept and apply it effectively in your programming projects.

Understanding decimal-to-octal conversion not only enhances your understanding of number systems but also equips you with valuable skills in low-level programming, data storage optimization, and computer networking. Additionally, octal numbers find applications in areas such as file permissions, flag settings, and hardware registers.

By learning how to convert decimal numbers to octal in Python, you will gain a versatile skill in your programming.

Python Program to Convert Octal to Decimal

Code

# Program to convert decimal to octal in Python

def decimal_to_octal(decimal):
    octal = ""
    while decimal > 0:
        octal = str(decimal % 8) + octal
        decimal = decimal // 8
    return octal


if __name__ == "__main__":
    decimal = int(input("Enter a decimal number: "))

    octal = decimal_to_octal(decimal)
    print("Octal: " + octal)

Output

Enter a decimal number: 64
Octal: 100

Explanation

The decimal_to_octal() function takes a decimal number as input and returns its octal representation as a string.

Inside the function, we initialize an empty string octal to store the octal digits.

Using a while loop, we repeatedly perform the following steps until the decimal number becomes zero:

  • We compute the remainder when the decimal number is divided by 8 using the modulus operator %.

  • We convert the remainder to a string and concatenate it with the left side of the octal string.

  • We update the decimal number by performing integer division by 8 (decimal // 8).

After the while loop ends, we have obtained the octal representation of the decimal number.

Finally, we return the resulting octal string.

In the main program, we prompt the user to enter a decimal number using the input() function, and we convert it to an integer using int().

We call the decimal_to_octal() function with the decimal number as an argument and store the result in the octal variable.

Finally, we print the octal representation of the decimal number using the print() function, along with an appropriate label.

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