Python Standard Library

The Python Standard Library is a collection of built-in modules that come pre-installed with Python.

You do not need to install them using pip.
They are available immediately after installing Python.

The standard library helps you:

• Work with files and folders
• Handle dates and time
• Perform mathematical operations
• Generate random numbers
• Work with system and OS features
• Process JSON data
• And much more

WHY USE STANDARD LIBRARY?

• No installation required
• Reliable and well-tested
• Saves development time
• Covers most common programming tasks

COMMONLY USED STANDARD LIBRARY MODULES

1. math

Provides mathematical functions.

import mathprint(math.sqrt(16))
print(math.pi)

2. random

Generates random numbers.

import randomprint(random.randint(1, 10))

3. datetime

Works with dates and time.

import datetimenow = datetime.datetime.now()
print(now)

4. os

Interacts with the operating system.

import osprint(os.getcwd())

5. sys

Provides system-specific parameters.

import sysprint(sys.version)

6. json

Handles JSON data.

import jsondata = {"name": "Hira", "age": 25}
json_data = json.dumps(data)
print(json_data)

7. statistics

Performs statistical calculations.

import statisticsnumbers = [10, 20, 30, 40]
print(statistics.mean(numbers))

8. itertools

Provides tools for working with iterators.

import itertoolsnumbers = [1, 2, 3]
for pair in itertools.combinations(numbers, 2):
    print(pair)

HOW TO SEE ALL STANDARD LIBRARY MODULES

You can explore documentation at:
https://docs.python.org/3/library/

Or inside Python:

help("modules")

STANDARD LIBRARY VS THIRD-PARTY LIBRARIES

Standard Library	Third-Party Library
Comes with Python	Installed using pip
No installation needed	Must install manually
Official & built-in	Created by developers worldwide

BEST PRACTICES

• Use standard library whenever possible
• Avoid installing external libraries if built-in modules can do the job
• Read official documentation for deeper understanding

KEY TAKEAWAY

The Python Standard Library is powerful and comprehensive.
It provides ready-to-use tools that allow you to build efficient and professional applications without installing extra packages.