At present, Python is one of the widely used general-purpose programming languages. Unlike other programming languages, Python does not require programmers to write longer lines of code to express concepts. First time developers find it easier to learn Python and Its simple syntax rules further make it easier for developers to create applications by writing clean, maintainable and reusable code. But Python lacks the several features required for creating modern applications. It still scores over other modern programming languages due to extensive support libraries. These Python libraries make it easier for developers to accomplish common programming tasks and add functionality to the application without writing additional code.
Overview of 10 Widely Used Python Libraries and Development Tools
1) NumPy
The hugely popular library adds advanced math functionality to Python programming language. In addition to being designed as a package for scientific computing, NumPy also comes with features like broadcasting functions, linear algebra, Fourier transform, n-dimensional array objects and random number capabilities. It can also be used as a robust multi-dimensional container. Also, the developers can integrate NumPy seamlessly with a variety of databases. They can even use the tools included in the library to use C, C++, or FORTRAN code with Python applications.
2) ScyPy
The library is a part of the robust ScyPy ecosystem that includes NumPy, SimPy, IPython and Pandas. Despite depending on NumPy, the ScyPy library is designed with features related to science, mathematics and engineering. It further provides a number of useful modules including linear algebra, statistics, integration, optimization, Fourier transforms, and capability to process images and signal. Often developers combine NumPy and ScyPy to create robust scientific applications with Python, and display results by manipulating numbers on a system.
3) Bottle
The lightweight macro web framework for Python is designed based on Web Server Gateway Interface (WSGI). It further uses the standard Python library, without any additional dependencies. It also comes with a built-in template engine, and supports several third-party template engines. Bottle can also be used to access HTTP-related metadata efficiently from various sources including cookies, headers, form data and file uploads. It further allows developers to avail a built-in HTTP development support, in addition to supporting a number of commonly used HTTP servers.
4) Pyglet
The cross-platform multimedia and window library helps developers to build application that run seamlessly on Windows, Linux and OS X without any binary dependencies. The programmers can use Pyglet to write a variety of GUI applications in Python rapidly. Also, they can avail a number of robust features provided by Pyglet including OpenGL graphics, window functions, keyboard and mouse handling, and audio and video playback. The library further uses AVbin to enable users to access and play audio and video in many formats.
5) Peewee
Peewee is designed as a lightweight object relational mapping (ORM) tool for Python. Despite being lightweight, Peewee provides several expressive concepts. It allows developers to access database resources through Python classes directly. It supports three databases by default – MySQL, SQLite and PostgreSQL. But the extensions provided by Pyglet makes it easier for developers to accomplish common tasks like schema migration and full text-search.
6) Invoke
The task execution library and tool is designed based on similar robust tools for other programming languages. The high-level API provided by Invoke make it easier for programmers to run shell commands and organize task functions remotely from a task.py file. Also, the tool can perform multiple tasks simultaneously in a single invocation. At the same time, Invoke also provides a number of advanced features including parallel execution, task aliasing and namespacing.
7) Arrow
While building modern applications, developers have to target users living in different regions and countries. But the standard data/time library provided by Python often fails to meet the needs of modern applications. Arrow is designed with features to simplify creation, formatting, manipulation and conversion of data, time and time stamps. It supports multiple types of date, time, timedelta and relativedelta. Also, the programmers can use the library to convert one time zone to another without putting extra effort. They can even take advantage of the date, time and calendar modules provided by Arrow to easily internationalize their applications.
8) Splinter
Splinter is designed with features to simplify web application testing based on user interaction automation. It can automate many aspects of automated web application testing like clicking on buttons, filling in forms, passing URLs and invoking web browsers. The high-level API provided by the Python library makes it easier for testers to write automated tests for web applications. The users can also use Splinter to execute JavaScript code, check asynchronous JavaScript, and work with AJAX. Also, Splinter can be seamlessly integrated with other browser automation tools like Selenium and PhantomJS. At present, Splinter is compatible only with Chrome and Firefox. The developers have to use Selenium Remote additionally to test the web application with other web browsers.
9) Pygame
As the name indicates, Pygame is designed with the Python modules required for developing a variety of 2D games. In addition to being designed on a robust SDL library, Pygame also runs on major platforms and devices. Also, it comes with features to enable programmers to write both 2D games and multimedia programs in Python programming language. Pygame can also be used, without a computer monitor, to accomplish tasks like image processing, playing sounds, and getting joystick input.
10) Twisted
The popular event-driven networking engine is written in Python programming language. It can be used with both Python 2 and Python 3. Twisted currently supports a number of commonly used network protocols including SMTP, POP3, DNS, SSHv2 and IMAP. Despite having a small code base, Twisted is designed with focus on both security and stability. Also, it helps developers to create web-based applications that deliver rich functionality and dynamic content. The developers also have option to publish high-traffic websites using the easy-to-configure the Twisted web server. Also, Twisted integrates several consistent APIs to generate innovative internet services.
On the whole, the developers have option to choose from a wide range of Python libraries. But they must remember that the features of individual Python libraries differ. In one of my previous post, i have shared what is it that Python cannot do? Helpful post for first time developer, it is always important for developers to pick the right library that meets all needs of the project. Also, they can consider combining multiple libraries to create feature-rich Python applications without putting extra time and effort.
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