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Standard Modules


Standard Modules in Python

Standard Modules are the modules that come pre-installed with Python.
These modules are part of Python’s Standard Library and provide ready-made functions to perform common tasks such as:

✔ Mathematics
✔ File handling
✔ Date and time processing
✔ System operations
✔ String processing
✔ Random number generation
✔ Network communication

You do not need to install them — you simply import and use them.


What is Python Standard Library?

The Python Standard Library is a collection of hundreds of built-in modules, written in Python and C, that provide functionality for almost every programming need.

It acts as a toolbox for programmers.


Why Standard Modules Are Important?

✔ Saves time
✔ Reduces need to write code from scratch
✔ Provides reliable, tested functionality
✔ Supports various domains (math, networking, OS, file I/O, web data, etc.)


Commonly Used Standard Modules (Important for Exams)

Below are the most important standard modules with explanations and examples.


1. math Module

Provides mathematical operations such as:

  • sqrt() → square root
  • pow() → power
  • factorial()
  • sin(), cos(), tan()
  • pi, e constants

Example:

import math
print(math.sqrt(25))
print(math.factorial(5))

2. random Module

Used for generating random numbers.

Functions:

  • random() → random number between 0 and 1
  • randint(a, b) → integer between a and b
  • choice() → pick random element from list

Example:

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

3. datetime Module

Used for working with dates and time.

Example:

from datetime import datetime
print(datetime.now())

4. os Module

Interacts with the operating system.

Functions:

  • mkdir() → create folder
  • listdir() → list directory files
  • remove() → delete file
  • getcwd() → current working directory

Example:

import os
print(os.getcwd())

5. sys Module

Provides access to system-specific parameters and functions.

Example:

import sys
print(sys.version)
print(sys.path)

6. statistics Module

Mathematical statistics functions:

  • mean()
  • median()
  • mode()

Example:

import statistics
print(statistics.mean([10, 20, 30]))

7. time Module

For handling time-related tasks.

Example:

import time
print(time.time())
time.sleep(2)  # pauses program for 2 seconds

8. json Module

Used for working with JSON data.

import json
data = '{"name":"Amit","age":25}'
print(json.loads(data))

9. re Module

Used for regular expressions.

Example:

import re
print(re.findall(r"\d+", "Age is 25"))

10. urllib Module

Used for fetching data from the web.

Example:

from urllib.request import urlopen
response = urlopen("https://example.com")
print(response.read())

Other Useful Standard Modules

ModuleUsage
mathMathematics
calendarWorking with calendars
hashlibHashing
sqlite3Database SQLite
emailEmail handling
socketNetworking
shutilFile operations
functoolsHigher-order functions
collectionsSpecialized data structures

Advantages of Standard Modules

✔ Ready-made functionality
✔ Saves time and effort
✔ Increases productivity
✔ Provides robust, error-free tools
✔ Widely used in professional applications


Exam-Ready Short Answer

Standard modules are built-in modules included in Python’s Standard Library. They offer predefined functions for tasks like mathematical computation, file handling, system management, networking, date and time processing, and random number generation. Examples include math, random, datetime, os, sys, and json.