Python libraries
Python Libraries (Easy Notes)
1. What is a Python Library?
A Python library is a collection of pre-written code that helps you do specific tasks without
writing everything from scratch. Libraries contain functions, classes, and modules. They save
time and make your code shorter and easier. You just import the library and use its tools.
Python has built-in libraries and external libraries that you can install.
2. Types of Python Libraries
Standard Libraries: These come with Python (e.g., math, datetime, os, random).
External Libraries: These are created by others and can be installed using pip (e.g.,
NumPy, Pandas, Matplotlib).
They are useful in different fields like data science, web development, automation,
and machine learning.
3. How to Use a Library?
To use a library, you first import it using the import statement.
Example:
import math
print(math.sqrt(16)) # Output: 4.0
You can also import only one part:
from math import sqrt
print(sqrt(25)) # Output: 5.0
4. Popular Python Libraries and Their Use
NumPy: For numerical calculations and arrays.
Pandas: For data handling and analysis (tables, CSV files).
Matplotlib: For creating charts and graphs.
Tkinter: For building GUI (graphical) apps.
Requests: For working with web APIs and websites.
Each library is made for a specific type of work.
5. Why Use Libraries?
Libraries save a lot of time. Instead of writing long code to do a task, you can use a library
function that does it for you. They are tested and reliable. Libraries also help you do complex
tasks easily—like reading data files, creating graphs, or making websites.
What are Python libraries?
Think of a Python library like a toolbox full of ready-made tools (code) that someone else
built, so you don’t have to build everything from scratch.
Instead of writing hundreds of lines of code to do something, you can use a library to do it
with just a few lines.
Here are some popular Python libraries, explained simply:
🧮 1. NumPy
What it’s for: Working with numbers and large sets of data (especially in tables or
grids).
Simple example: You can do math on a whole list of numbers at once.
Analogy: Like a calculator that works on an entire spreadsheet at once.
📊 2. Pandas
What it’s for: Managing and analyzing data, especially from Excel or CSV files.
Simple example: Makes it easy to filter, sort, or clean messy data.
Analogy: Like an Excel expert who helps you organize your data fast.
📈 3. Matplotlib / Seaborn
What they’re for: Drawing graphs and charts (like bar graphs, line charts, etc.).
Simple example: You can turn data into a beautiful plot with just a few lines of code.
Analogy: Like a graphing calculator, but prettier.
🧠 4. Scikit-learn
What it’s for: Machine learning (teaching your computer to learn from data).
Simple example: You can make a model that predicts something, like prices or
categories.
Analogy: Like a teacher that trains your computer to be smart.
🌐 5. Requests
What it’s for: Talking to websites (like downloading data or sending info).
Simple example: You can ask a website for data using just one line.
Analogy: Like a mailman that sends and receives letters (but it's data).
6. Scrapy
What they’re for: Getting information from websites (web scraping).
Simple example: You can pull titles or prices from a web page automatically.
Analogy: Like a robot that reads a website and picks out what you want.
🤖 7. TensorFlow / PyTorch
What they’re for: Deep learning and AI (like image recognition, chatbots, etc.).
Simple example: You can build powerful brain-like models.
Analogy: Like a super smart robot brain toolkit.
