The Python 3 Standard Library by Example

 Distributed with every copy of Python, the standard library contains hundreds of modules that provide tools for interacting with the operating system, interpreter, and Internet—all of them tested and ready to be used to jump-start the development of your applications. This book presents selected examples demonstrating how to use the most commonly used features of the modules that support Python’s “batteries included” slogan, taken from the popular Python Module of the Week (PyMOTW) blog series.

 This Book’s Target Audience

 The audience for this book consists of intermediate-level Python programmers. Thus, although all of the source code is presented with discussion, only a few cases include lineby-line explanations. Every section focuses on the features of the modules, illustrated by the source code and output from fully independent example programs. Each feature is presented as concisely as possible, so the reader can focus on the module or function being demonstrated without being distracted by the supporting code.

 An experienced programmer who is familiar with other languages may be able to learn Python from this book, but the text is not intended to be an introduction to the language. Some prior experience writing Python programs will be useful when studying the examples.

 Several sections, such as the description of network programming with sockets or hmac encryption, require domain-specific knowledge. The basic information needed to explain the examples is included here, but the range of topics covered by the modules in the standard library makes it impossible to cover every topic comprehensively in a single volume. The discussion of each module is followed by a list of suggested sources for more information and further reading, including online resources, RFC standards documents, and related books.