What is the main advantage of using the with statement for file handling?

The main advantage of using the with statement for file handling is that it guarantees that resources are properly managed and released. When a file is opened using the with statement, it ensures that the file is automatically closed when the block of code under the with statement is exited, whether due to normal termination or because of an error or exception. This helps prevent resource leaks, such as files remaining open even when they are no longer needed, which can lead to issues like running out of file descriptors or data corruption.

Using the with statement promotes better coding practices, as it simplifies resource management and reduces the chances of errors related to manual closing of files. By encapsulating the file operations within the with block, developers can focus on the logic of the program without the added concern of explicitly closing files afterward. This makes the code cleaner and less error-prone.