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## Appendix A. The Python Library

Python is bundled with a large collection of modules that provide a wide range of services ranging from interacting with the operating system to multimedia support. These modules are collectively known as the Python library. Currently, the library consists of approximately 200 modules that have been contributed by dozens of users.

This appendix describes most of the more frequently used modules in the Python library, with a focus on built-in functions, Python services, string processing, operating system interfaces, threads, and network programming. A brief overview of background material is introduced as necessary, but the reader is assumed to be reasonably familiar with basic operating system and programming concepts. Furthermore, because much of the library is based on C programming APIs, a good C programming book may help with some of the finer points of some modules. Extensive online documentation for the library is also available at http://www.python.org/doc/lib.

This appendix is largely based on the contents of the online library documentation as of Python version 2.1. However, a number of substantial modifications have been made:

- The library reference has been abridged to fit into a more compact format.

- Additional reference material has been added to better describe certain modules—especially with respect to operating system interfaces and network programming.

- Several modules require significant understanding of outside topics such as low-level network protocols and data formats. In these cases, only a brief description is given, along with references to related information.

- Special-purpose modules applicable to a single platform are omitted (for instance, SGI multimedia extensions).

- Large frameworks such as Tkinter, XML processing, and the Win32 extensions are omitted because they’re beyond the scope of this book (and they’re covered in books of their own).

- Obsolete modules are omitted, even though these modules are still included in the standard distribution.

It’s also important to note that the Python library is always being improved and extended with new functionality. Although the modules covered here are the most stable, their contents are still likely to change slightly over time. When in doubt, consult the online documentation.

Finally, a few words on compatibility and availability. Unless otherwise indicated, each module is available on all platforms. When platform-specific issues are discussed, they’re clearly marked.

| Last updated on 3/28/2002 Python Essential Reference, Second Edition, © 2002 New Riders Publishing

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