title: Efficient reading of 800 GB XML file in Python 2.7
body: <p>I am reading an 800 GB xml file in python 2.7 and parsing it with an etree iterative parser.</p>
  
  <p>Currently, I am just using <code>open('foo.txt')</code> with no buffering argument. I am a little confused whether this is the approach I should take or I should use a buffering argument or use something from io like io.BufferedReader or io.open or io.TextIOBase.</p>
  
  <p>A point in the right direction would be much appreciated.</p>