Table of Contents » Chapter 3 : Processing : Libraries : External Libraries
External Libraries
Overview
In addition to the modules and packages included in the Python Standard Library, many external libraries can be installed and used to extend Python's capabilities. Third-party developers typically create these external libraries and are not included with the standard Python distribution.
Some popular external libraries for Python include:
- NumPy ↗: provides support for arrays and matrices, as well as mathematical functions for numerical computations.
- Pandas ↗: provides data manipulation and analysis tools for working with tabular data.
- Matplotlib ↗: provides visualization tools for creating graphs and plots.
- Requests ↗: provides a way to make HTTP requests, allowing Python programs to interact with web services and APIs.
- TensorFlow ↗: provides tools for machine learning and deep learning, including support for neural networks.
- Django ↗: provides a framework for building web applications.
- Flask ↗: provides a lightweight web framework for building web applications.
- Pygame ↗: provides a library for building games and multimedia applications.
Each external library has its documentation, installation instructions, and API (application programming interface) that developers can use to learn how to use it effectively. By using external libraries, developers can leverage the work of others and build more complex and sophisticated applications without having to start from scratch.
It's worth noting that while external libraries can be compelling and helpful, they can also introduce dependencies and compatibility issues, especially when dealing with complex software ecosystems. It's important to carefully evaluate and test any external libraries used in a project, and to stay up-to-date with any changes or updates to those libraries.