7.4 The help function

Python's help() function is a powerful tool for accessing documentation. It provides information on modules, functions, and keywords, making it easier to understand and use Python's features effectively.

The help() function offers interactive assistance and code examples. By exploring documentation through help(), you can gain practical insights into Python's modules and functions, enhancing your programming skills and knowledge.

The help() Function in Python

Help function for documentation

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• Built-in Python function provides interactive help and documentation for modules, functions, classes, and keywords
• Access documentation for a specific module by passing the module name as an argument to help() (math)
• Access documentation for a specific function by passing the function name as an argument to help() (print)
• Call help() without arguments to start an interactive help session (interactive help system)
  • Enter the name of a module, function, or keyword to view its documentation
  • Type "quit" to exit the interactive help session

Interpreting code in documentation

• Function documentation often includes code examples demonstrating usage and syntax
• Examples provide practical understanding of function's usage and syntax
• Pay attention to input arguments, return values, and additional notes or warnings in examples
• Run code examples in your Python environment to see how they work and experiment with different inputs

Key components of modules

• Modules in Python are files containing Python definitions and statements
• Key components of a module include:
  • Docstrings: String literals that appear as the first statement in a module, function, class, or method definition
    • Provide a brief description of the module, function, or class and its purpose
    • Accessed using the

      [__doc__](https://www.fiveableKeyTerm:__doc__)

      attribute or the help() function
  • Variables: Names that are bound to objects within the module
    • Hold values of various data types (numbers, strings, lists, dictionaries)
    • Accessed using dot notation (

      module.variable_name

      )
  • Functions: Reusable blocks of code that perform specific tasks
    • Defined using the

      def

      keyword followed by the function name and parentheses containing function's parameters
    • Accept input arguments, perform operations, and return values
    • Accessed within a module using dot notation (

      module.function_name()

      )
  • Classes: Blueprint for creating objects in object-oriented programming

Python Environment

• Python interpreter: Executes Python code and provides access to built-in functions
• Command-line interface: Allows users to interact with the Python interpreter directly
• Built-in functions: Pre-defined functions available in Python without importing additional modules