Python’s Common Standard Libraries

Python’s strength lies not only in its core language features but also in its extensive standard libraries. These libraries provide pre-written code for various tasks, making Python a versatile and powerful programming language. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore common Python standard libraries, offering detailed explanations, real-world examples, and practical use cases, complete with code snippets and outputs. By the end, you’ll be well-versed in leveraging these libraries for your Python projects.

Introduction to Python Standard Libraries

Python’s standard libraries are collections of modules and packages that are included with the Python interpreter. They cover a wide range of functionalities and are an integral part of Python’s appeal for developers.

Common Standard Libraries

1. os – Operating System Interface

The os module provides functions for interacting with the operating system. It’s commonly used for tasks like file and directory manipulation.

Example

import os
# Get the current working directory
current_dir = os.getcwd()
print(current_dir)
# List files and directories in a directory
files_and_dirs = os.listdir(current_dir)
print(files_and_dirs)

import re
text = "Hello, my email is john@example.com and alice@example.org"
pattern = r'\S+@\S+'  # Matches email addresses
emails = re.findall(pattern, text)
print(emails)

from datetime import datetime, timedelta
# Get the current date and time
now = datetime.now()
print(now)
# Calculate a future date
future_date = now + timedelta(days=30)
print(future_date)

import json
data = {'name': 'Alice', 'age': 30}
# Serialize Python object to JSON
json_data = json.dumps(data)
print(json_data)
# Deserialize JSON to Python object
python_data = json.loads(json_data)
print(python_data)

import random
# Generate a random integer between 1 and 10
random_number = random.randint(1, 10)
print(random_number)
# Choose a random element from a list
my_list = ['apple', 'banana', 'cherry', 'date']
random_choice = random.choice(my_list)
print(random_choice)