How to get a list of commands in Python?

Kenneth 134 Published: 12/03/2024

How to get a list of commands in Python?

In Python, you can obtain a list of available commands (also known as modules) using the help() function or the dir() function.

Using the help() function:

The help() function is a built-in function that provides information about modules, classes, and functions in Python. When used with no arguments, it lists all available modules. Here's how to do it:

Open a Python interpreter (e.g., IDLE or PyCharm) and type the following command: 
help()

This will display a list of all available modules in Python, along with brief descriptions.

Press the 'q' key to exit the help menu.

Using the dir() function:

The dir() function returns a list of valid attributes for a given object (module, class, or instance). When used without an argument, it lists all available modules. Here's how to do it:

Open a Python interpreter and type the following command: 
import __builtins__

print(dir(builtins))

This will display a list of all available built-in modules in Python.

Press the 'q' key to exit the directory listing.

Additional Tips:

You can also use the __import__() function to import specific modules. The import statement can be used to load modules into your Python program. If you're using an Integrated Development Environment (IDE) like PyCharm or Spyder, they often provide a 'Project' or 'Module' view that lists available modules for easy reference.

Why is this important?

Knowing the list of available commands (modules) in Python can help you:

Find specific modules you need to use. Avoid importing unnecessary modules and reduce your program's memory usage. Learn more about each module's functionality, documentation, and usage examples.

Remember, Python's built-in help() and dir() functions are valuable tools for discovering what's available in the Python universe!

List of commands in python with examples

I'm happy to respond in English for this special request.

Python is a powerful and popular programming language that has many built-in commands, which are the essential building blocks of any program. These commands are used to perform various tasks such as data manipulation, file handling, networking, etc. Here's a list of some commonly used Python commands with examples:

Basic Commands

print(): This command is used to print output to the screen. 
    print("Hello, World!")
input(): This command is used to take input from the user. 
    name = input("What's your name? ")
len(): This command returns the length of a string or the number of items in an object. 
    my_string = "Hello"

print(len(my_string))  # Output: 5

String Commands

upper() and lower(): These commands convert a string to uppercase or lowercase, respectively. 
    my_string = "hello"

print(my_string.upper())  # Output: HELLO


print(my_string.lower())  # Output: hello
strip(), lstrip(), and rstrip(): These commands remove specified characters from the beginning or end of a string. 
    my_string = "   Hello   "

print(my_string.strip())  # Output: "Hello"
split() and join(): These commands split a string into substrings (using split) or concatenate strings together (using join). 
    my_string = "apple,banana,cherry"

print(my_string.split(","))  # Output: ['apple', 'banana', 'cherry']


fruits = ["apple", "banana", "cherry"]


print(",".join(fruits))  # Output: apple,banana,cherry

List and Dictionary Commands

append(), extend(), and insert(): These commands add new elements to a list. 
    my_list = [1, 2, 3]

my_list.append(4)


print(my_list)  # Output: [1, 2, 3, 4]


fruits = ["apple", "banana"]


fruits.extend(["cherry", "grapes"])


print(fruits)  # Output: ['apple', 'banana', 'cherry', 'grapes']


my_list.insert(1, "hello")


print(my_list)  # Output: [1, "hello", 2, 3]
pop() and remove(): These commands remove elements from a list. 
    my_list = [1, 2, 3, 4]

my_list.pop(0)


print(my_list)  # Output: [2, 3, 4]


fruits = ["apple", "banana", "cherry"]


fruits.remove("banana")


print(fruits)  # Output: ['apple', 'cherry']
get() and setdefault(): These commands are used to access or update dictionary elements. 
    my_dict = {"name": "John", "age": 30}

print(my_dict.get("address"))  # Output: None


my_dict.setdefault("country", "USA")


print(my_dict)  # Output: {'name': 'John', 'age': 30, 'country': 'USA'}

File Handling Commands

open(): This command is used to open a file. 
    my_file = open("example.txt", "w")

my_file.write("Hello, World!")


my_file.close()
read() and write(): These commands are used to read from or write to a file. 
    my_file = open("example.txt", "r")

print(my_file.read())  # Output: Hello, World!


my_file.write("Goodbye, World!")


my_file.close()

These are just a few examples of the many commands available in Python. With practice and experience, you'll become proficient in using these commands to write powerful programs.

Hope this helps!

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