Python string does not have a built-in .contains() method like some other languages (e.g., Java), but you can easily check if a substring exists using below methods.
Method 1: Use the in Keyword (Recommended)
This is the most Pythonic way to check if a substring exists in a string.
python
text = "hello world"if "world" in text:
print("Yes, found!")
Best for clean, readable code in most use cases.
Method 2: Use .find() Method
Returns the starting index of the substring if found, or -1 if not found.
python
text = "hello world"if text.find("world") != -1:
print("Found using .find()")
Useful when you need the position of the substring.
Also Read: Pros & Cons of Python Web Development in 2025
Method 3: Use .index() Method
Similar to .find(), but raises a ValueError if the substring is not found.
python
text = "hello world"try:
index = text.index("world")
print("Found at index:", index)
except ValueError:
print("Substring not found")
Use this if you're okay handling exceptions.
Tip
Always prefer the in keyword for simplicity. Use .find() or .index() only when you need the index position or want to handle absence explicitly.
