practical-python/Notes/09_Packages/02_Third_party.md

9.2 Third Party Modules

Introduction

Python has a large library of built-in modules (batteries included).

There are even more third party modules. Check them in the Python Package Index or PyPi. Or just do a Google search for a topic.

Some Notable Modules

• requests: Accessing web services.
• numpy, scipy: Arrays and vector mathematics.
• pandas: Stats and data analysis.
• django, flask: Web programming.
• sqlalchemy: Databases and ORM.
• ipython: Alternative interactive shell.

Installing Modules

Most common classic technique: pip.

bash % python3 -m pip install packagename

This command will download the package and install it globally in your Python folder. Somewhere like:

/usr/local/lib/python3.6/site-packages

Problems

• You may be using an installation of Python that you don't directly control.
  • A corporate approved installation
  • The Python version that comes with the OS.
• You might not have permission to install global packages in the computer.
• Your program might have unusual dependencies.

Talk about environments...

Exercises

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