Functional Programming For Dummies

Chapter 19

Ten (Plus) Must-Have Python Packages

IN THIS CHAPTER

Improving the user interface with sights and sounds

Manipulating data better

Working with algorithms

This chapter reviews just a few of the more interesting Python packages available today. Unlike with Haskell, finding reviews of Python packages is incredibly easy, along with articles stating people’s lists of favorite packages. However, if you want to look at a more-or-less complete listing, the best place is the Python Package Index at https://pypi.org/. The list is so huge that you won’t find a single list but must search through categories or for particular needs. Consequently, this chapter reflects just a few interesting choices, and if you don’t see what you need, you really should search online.

MODULES, PACKAGES, AND LIBRARIES

There is general confusion over some terms (module, package, and library) used in Python and, unfortunately, this book won’t help you untie this Gordian knot. When possible, this chapter uses the vendor term for whatever product you’re reading about. However, the terms do have different meanings, which you can read about at https://knowpapa.com/modpaclib-py/. Consequently, sites such as ...