In the fascinating world of coding, the Python language stands apart with its simplicity and versatility. Among its many features are the built-in functions that offer programmers an array of powerful tools to tackle a variety of coding tasks.
Table of contents
What are Python Built-In Functions?
Python built-in functions are a collection of standard functions that come auto-included in every Python installation. They are readily available for use without any need to import extra modules or libraries.
Python built-in functions allow us to perform a multitude of common tasks in coding, saving us time and effort in scripting complex code structures. Ranging from simple mathematical operations to advanced data manipulation, these functions make Python an attractive language for beginners and seasoned developers alike.
Understanding Python built-in functions not only equips you with a powerful toolkit but also helps you better appreciate and leverage the language’s flexibility. Whether you’re building a simple text-based game, creating complex algorithms, or venturing into data analysis, these functions will play an instrumental role in your coding endeavors.
Now that we know the importance of these functions, let’s get our hands dirty with some coding. Stay tuned for some engaging code examples in the next sections!
Python Built-In Functions in Action
In this section, we delve into some practical examples using a variety of Python built-in functions.
Example 1: Using the len() function
The len() function is used to count the number of elements in a list, the number of characters in a string, or the number of keys in a dictionary.
my_list = [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]
print(len(my_list)) # Output: 5
my_string = "Zenva Academy"
print(len(my_string)) # Output: 13
my_dict = {'Python': 1, 'Java': 2, 'Ruby': 3}
print(len(my_dict)) # Output: 3Example 2: Using the sum() function
The sum() function adds up all the numbers in a list:
my_list = [1, 2, 3, 4, 5] print(sum(my_list)) # Output: 15
Example 3: Using the type() function
The type() function retrieves the data type of a variable:
my_number = 7 print(type(my_number)) # Output: my_string = "Zenva Academy" print(type(my_string)) # Output:
Advanced Examples
Now, let’s look at how we can apply these Python built-in functions in advanced examples.
Example 4: Using the abs() function
The abs() function returns the absolute value of a number:
my_number = -10 print(abs(my_number)) # Output: 10
Example 5: Using the pow() function
The pow() function calculates the power of a number:
base = 2 exp = 3 print(pow(base, exp)) # Output: 8
Example 6: Using the sorted() function
The sorted() function returns a sorted list from the elements of any sequence :
my_list = [5, 2, 3, 1, 4] print(sorted(my_list)) # Output: [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]
Example 7: Using the min() and max() functions
The min() and max() functions return the lowest and highest value in a list, respectively:
my_list = [5, 2, 3, 1, 4] print(min(my_list)) # Output: 1 print(max(my_list)) # Output: 5
These Python built-in functions are some of the many tools that Python provides us for efficient and easier coding. Mastering them allows us to write cleaner and more optimized code. Explore them and watch your proficiency in Python programming grow!
Mastering Python Built-In Functions (Continued)
Let’s continue our journey through Python built-in functions with more comprehensive examples.
Example 8: Using the round() function
The round() built-in function rounds off a floating-point number to its nearest integer:
my_float = 5.89 print(round(my_float)) # Output: 6
Example 9: Using the map() function
The map() function applies a specified function to every single item in an iterable (a list, a tuple, etc.) and returns a list of the results.
# Function to double the number
def double(num):
return num * 2
num_list = [1, 2, 3, 4]
# Using map() function
results = map(double, num_list)
print(list(results)) # Output: [2, 4, 6, 8]Example 10: Using the filter() function
The filter() function extracts those elements from an iterable that satisfy a certain condition.
# Function to check whether the number is even
def is_even(num):
return num % 2 == 0
num_list = [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6]
# Using filter() to get even numbers
even_numbers = filter(is_even, num_list)
print(list(even_numbers)) # Output: [2, 4, 6]Example 11: Using the zip() function
The zip() function merges two or more lists into a list of tuples, where the i-th tuple contains the i-th element from each of the argument sequences or iterables.
list1 = ['Python', 'JavaScript', 'Ruby']
list2 = [1, 2, 3]
# Using zip() function
mergerd_list = zip(list1, list2)
print(list(mergerd_list)) # Output: [('Python', 1), ('JavaScript', 2), ('Ruby', 3)]Example 12: Using the eval() function
The eval() function evaluates an expression written in the form of a string and returns the result.
expression = "10 + 20" print(eval(expression)) # Output: 30
Example 13: Using the reversed() function
The reversed() function returns a reversed iterator of a sequence.
sequence = [1, 2, 3, 4, 5] reversed_seq = reversed(sequence) print(list(reversed_seq)) # Output: [5, 4, 3, 2, 1]
Example 14: Using the help() function
The help() function is used to display information about a function/method or a module. Although it’s not usually part of code you’ll deploy, it is extremely useful during development.
help(max) # Output: ...Info about the built-in max function...
Knowing Python’s built-in functions can drastically speed up your coding pace. At Zenva, we strongly encourage learners to befriend these functions and integrate them into their coding practices for a swifter, smoother road to mastery. Remember, efficiency and optimization are the hallmarks of a successful programmer!
Where to Go Next?
Now that you’ve gotten a taste of Python’s powerful built-in functions, you might be wondering “What’s next?”. Well, there’s a world of exciting ventures waiting for you in the field of Python programming, and Zenva is here to guide you every step of the way!
Designed to take you from novice to proficient, our Python Mini-Degree is a comprehensive collection of courses on Python programming. This series covers a vast range of topics such as coding basics, algorithms, Object-Oriented Programming (OOP), game development, and app creation.
The Python Mini-Degree at Zenva gives you access to step-by-step projects and flexible learning options. With Python being the most preferred programming language worldwide and its high demand in fields like data science, it’s a sturdy stepping stone towards a successful career. We aim to equip you with the skills needed to thrive in the job market and provide you with a portfolio of Python projects to showcase to potential employers.
Our expert instructors are here to support and guide you through this learning journey, providing the most updated curriculum and resources. The best part? There are no prerequisites or deadlines – you can complete our courses at your pace and convenience.
Make sure you also check out our wide-ranging collection of Python Courses designed to cater to your specific learning interests.
Conclusion
Python’s built-in functions are an embodiment of the language’s philosophy of simplicity and power. They are the unsung heroes that silently revolutionize your code, dramatically enhancing its efficiency and readability. Whether you’re a novice or an experienced programmer, these functions are instrumental in honing your programming prowess and empowering you to code like a pro.
As you move forward on this enriching journey with Zenva’s Python Mini-Degree, remember – every line of code you write is another step towards mastery. Fill your coder’s toolbox with these built-in functions and watch yourself transform from a good programmer to a great one. At Zenva, we’re dedicated to providing you the resources to realize your full potential and fuel your passion for coding. Happy coding!
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