Expressions and Built-in Functions in Python
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Created:
11th of August 2024
01:52:32 AM
Modified:
3rd of October 2024
06:55:56 AM
Expressions and Built-in Functions in Python
Expressions are combinations of values, variables, operators, and calls to functions that the Python interpreter evaluates to produce another value. Python also provides a wide range of built-in functions that you can use to perform common tasks.
Expressions in Python
Expressions are a fundamental part of Python programming. They allow you to combine values, variables, and operators to compute new values. An expression can be as simple as a single value or as complex as a combination of multiple operations.
Simple Expressions
| Expression | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
3 + 5 |
Addition of two numbers | 8 |
x - y |
Subtraction of variable y from variable x |
x = 10, y = 3 → x - y = 7 |
x * y |
Multiplication of variables x and y |
x = 4, y = 5 → x * y = 20 |
x / y |
Division of variable x by variable y |
x = 20, y = 4 → x / y = 5.0 |
x ** y |
Exponentiation (raising x to the power y) |
x = 2, y = 3 → x ** y = 8 |
Complex Expressions
Complex expressions involve multiple operations or functions combined to produce a result.
| Expression | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
(x + y) * z |
Addition followed by multiplication | x = 2, y = 3, z = 4 → (x + y) * z = 20 |
abs(x) + max(y, z) |
Absolute value of x added to the maximum of y and z |
x = -5, y = 7, z = 2 → abs(x) + max(y, z) = 12 |
(x * y) - (a / b) |
Multiplication followed by division and subtraction | x = 6, y = 4, a = 20, b = 5 → (x * y) - (a / b) = 14 |
Built-in Functions in Python
Python provides many built-in functions that allow you to perform common tasks quickly and easily. These functions are always available for use and do not require any import statements.
Common Built-in Functions
| Function | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
print() |
Outputs the specified message to the console | print("Hello, World!") → Outputs: Hello, World! |
len() |
Returns the length (number of items) of an object | len("Python") → Outputs: 6 |
abs() |
Returns the absolute value of a number | abs(-7) → Outputs: 7 |
max() |
Returns the largest item in an iterable or the largest of two or more arguments | max(1, 3, 2) → Outputs: 3 |
min() |
Returns the smallest item in an iterable or the smallest of two or more arguments | min(1, 3, 2) → Outputs: 1 |
sum() |
Returns the sum of all items in an iterable | sum([1, 2, 3, 4]) → Outputs: 10 |
Key Takeaway
Expressions and built-in functions are the building blocks of Python programming. By mastering these concepts, you can perform a wide range of operations, manipulate data effectively, and develop powerful programs.