Create (sane/safe) filename from any (unsafe) string

Question

I want to create a sane/safe filename (i.e. somewhat readable, no \"strange\" characters, etc.) from some random Unicode string (mich might contain just anything).

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Answer 1

Another approach is to specify a replacement for any unwanted symbol. This way filename may look more readable.

>>> substitute_chars = {'/':'-', ' ':''}
>>> filename = 'Cedric_Kelly_12/10/2020 7:56 am_317168.pdf'
>>> "".join(substitute_chars.get(c, c) for c in filename)
'Cedric_Kelly_12-10-20207:56am_317168.pdf'