What are libraries in Python? And how to use them?
What are libraries in Python?
Libraries in Python are collections of pre-written code that you can use in your own programs. These libraries can contain functions, classes, and variables that you can use to perform a variety of tasks, such as connecting to a database, reading and writing files, or performing mathematical calculations.
Using libraries in Python is a convenient way to avoid writing code from scratch and can save you a lot of time and effort.
How to import a library in Python
To use a library in Python, you need to import it first. You can do this using the import statement. For example, to import the math library, you would write the following code:
import math
This will allow you to use the functions and variables in the math library in your code.
You can also import specific functions or variables from a library using the from keyword. For example, to import the sqrt function from the math library, you can write the following code:
from math import sqrt
You can also import multiple functions or variables at once by separating them with commas. For example:
from math import sqrt, sin, cos
How to use a library in Python
Once you have imported a library, you can use its functions and variables by referencing the library name followed by a dot and the function or variable name.
For example, to use the sqrt function from the math library, you would write the following code:
import math
result = math.sqrt(9)
print(result) # Output: 3.0
Or, if you imported the sqrt function directly:
from math import sqrt
result = sqrt(9)
print(result) # Output: 3.0
You can also use variables from a library in the same way. For example, the math library contains a variable called pi that represents the value of pi:
import math
result = math.pi
print(result) # Output: 3.141592653589793
Conclusion
Libraries are a convenient way to use pre-written code in your own Python programs. You can import entire libraries or specific functions and variables from them using the import statement. Once you have imported a library, you can use its functions and variables by referencing the library name followed by a dot and the function or variable name.