Python - Built-in Functions

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Functions are a piece of code that performs specific tasks and can be reused within a program as per the requirement. The main benefit of using a function in the program is that we can simplify our repetitive tasks. It removes the need to write the same code multiple times for different inputs. Instead, we can call the function whenever we want throughout the program.

In Python, we can divide functions into three categories namely user-defined functions, anonymous functions, and built-in functions. We are going to describe the Python built-in functions in this tutorial.

What are Built-in Functions in Python?

Built-in functions are those functions that are pre-defined in the Python interpreter and you don't need to import any module to use them. These functions help to perform a wide variety of operations on strings, iterators, and numbers. For instance, the built-in functions like sum(), min(), and max() are used to simplify mathematical operations.

How to Use Built-in Function in Python?

To use built-in functions in your code, simply call the specific function by passing the required parameter (if any) inside the parentheses. Since these functions are pre-defined, you don't need to import any module or package.

Example of Using Built-in Functions

Consider the following example demonstrating the use of built-in functions in your code:

# Using print() and len() function

text = "Tutorials Point"

print(len(text)) # Prints 15

In the above example, we are using two built-in functions print() and len().

List of Python Built-in Functions

As of Python 3.12.2 version, the list of built-in functions is given below −

Sr.No.	Function & Description
1	Python aiter() function Returns an asynchronous iterator for an asynchronous iterable
2	Python all() function Returns true when all elements in iterable is true
3	Python anext() function Returns the next item from the given asynchronous iterator
4	Python any() function Checks if any Element of an Iterable is True
5	Python ascii() function Returns String Containing Printable Representation
6	Python bin() function Converts integer to binary string
7	Python bool() function Converts a Value to Boolean
8	Python breakpoint() function This function drops you into the debugger at the call site and calls sys.breakpointhook()
9	Python bytearray() function returns array of given byte size
10	Python bytes() function returns immutable bytes object
11	Python callable() function Checks if the Object is Callable
12	Python chr() function Returns a Character (a string) from an Integer
13	Python classmethod() function Returns class method for given function
14	Python compile() function Returns a code object
15	Python complex() function Creates a Complex Number
16	Python delattr() function Deletes Attribute From the Object
17	Python dict() function Creates a Dictionary
18	Python dir() function Tries to Return Attributes of Object
19	Python divmod() function Returns a Tuple of Quotient and Remainder
20	Python enumerate() function Returns an Enumerate Object
21	Python eval() function Runs Code Within Program
22	Python exec() function Executes Dynamically Created Program
23	Python filter() function Constructs iterator from elements which are true
24	Python float() function Returns floating point number from number, string
25	Python format() function Returns formatted representation of a value
26	Python frozenset() function Returns immutable frozenset object
27	Python getattr() function Returns value of named attribute of an object
28	Python globals() function Returns dictionary of current global symbol table
29	Python hasattr() function Returns whether object has named attribute
30	Python hash() function Returns hash value of an object
31	Python help() function Invokes the built-in Help System
32	Python hex() function Converts to Integer to Hexadecimal
33	Python id() function Returns Identify of an Object
34	Python input() function Reads and returns a line of string
35	Python int() function Returns integer from a number or string
36	Python isinstance() function Checks if a Object is an Instance of Class
37	Python issubclass() function Checks if a Class is Subclass of another Class
38	Python iter() function Returns an iterator
39	Python len() function Returns Length of an Object
40	Python list() function Creates a list in Python
41	Python locals() function Returns dictionary of a current local symbol table
42	Python map() function Applies Function and Returns a List
43	Python memoryview() function Returns memory view of an argument
44	Python next() function Retrieves next item from the iterator
45	Python object() function Creates a featureless object
46	Python oct() function Returns the octal representation of an integer
47	Python open() function Returns a file object
48	Python ord() function Returns an integer of the Unicode character
49	Python print() function Prints the Given Object
50	Python property() function Returns the property attribute
51	Python range() function Returns a sequence of integers
52	Python repr() function Returns a printable representation of the object
53	Python reversed() function Returns the reversed iterator of a sequence
54	Python set() function Constructs and returns a set
55	Python setattr() function Sets the value of an attribute of an object
56	Python slice() function Returns a slice object
57	Python sorted() function Returns a sorted list from the given iterable
58	Python staticmethod() function Transforms a method into a static method
59	Python str() function Returns the string version of the object
60	Python super() function Returns a proxy object of the base class
61	Python tuple() function Returns a tuple
62	Python type() function Returns the type of the object
63	Python vars() function Returns the __dict__ attribute
64	Python zip() function Returns an iterator of tuples
65	Python __import__() function Function called by the import statement

Built-in Mathematical Functions

There are some additional built-in functions that are used for performing only mathematical operations in Python, they are listed below −

Sr.No.	Function & Description
1	Python abs() function The abs() function returns the absolute value of x, i.e. the positive distance between x and zero.
2	Python max() function The max() function returns the largest of its arguments or largest number from the iterable (list or tuple).
3	Python min() function The function min() returns the smallest of its arguments i.e. the value closest to negative infinity, or smallest number from the iterable (list or tuple)
4	Python pow() function The pow() function returns x raised to y. It is equivalent to x**y. The function has third optional argument mod. If given, it returns (x**y) % mod value
5	Python round() Function round() is a built-in function in Python. It returns x rounded to n digits from the decimal point.
6	Python sum() function The sum() function returns the sum of all numeric items in any iterable (list or tuple). An optional start argument is 0 by default. If given, the numbers in the list are added to start value.

Advantages of Using Built-in Functions

The following are the advantages of using built-in functions:

• The use of the built-in functions simplifies and reduces the code length and enhances the readability of the code.
• Instead of writing the same logic repeatedly, you can use these functions across different sections of the program. This not only saves time but also helps in maintaining consistency of code.
• These functions provide a wide range of functionalities including mathematical operations, datatype conversion, and performing operations on iterators.
• These functions have descriptive names that make the code easier to understand and maintain. Developers need not write additional complex code for performing certain operations.

Frequently Asked Questions about Built-in Functions

How do I handle errors with built-in functions?

While working with built-in functions, you may encounter errors and to handle those errors you can use the try-except blocks. This may help you identify the type of error and exceptions raised.

Can we extend the functionality of built-in functions?

Yes, we can extend the functionality of built-in functions by using it with other methods and by applying your logic as per the need. However, it will not affect the pre-defined feature of the used function.

Can I create my built-in functions?

No, you cannot create your built-in function. But, Python allows a user to create user-defined functions.

How do I use built-in functions?

Using a built-in function is very simple, call it by its name followed by parentheses, and pass the required arguments inside the parentheses.