Python - Built-in Functions

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.
66	Python unichr() function Converts a Unicode code point to its corresponding Unicode character.
67	Python long() function Represents integers of arbitrary size.

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 xy. The function has third optional argument mod. If given, it returns (xy) % 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.

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