Introduction
************

The "Python library" contains several different kinds of components.

It contains data types that would normally be considered part of the
"core" of a language, such as numbers and lists.  For these types, the
Python language core defines the form of literals and places some
constraints on their semantics, but does not fully define the
semantics.  (On the other hand, the language core does define
syntactic properties like the spelling and priorities of operators.)

The library also contains built-in functions and exceptions ---
objects that can be used by all Python code without the need of an
"import" statement. Some of these are defined by the core language,
but many are not essential for the core semantics and are only
described here.

The bulk of the library, however, consists of a collection of modules.
There are many ways to dissect this collection.  Some modules are
written in C and built in to the Python interpreter; others are
written in Python and imported in source form.  Some modules provide
interfaces that are highly specific to Python, like printing a stack
trace; some provide interfaces that are specific to particular
operating systems, such as access to specific hardware; others provide
interfaces that are specific to a particular application domain, like
the World Wide Web. Some modules are available in all versions and
ports of Python; others are only available when the underlying system
supports or requires them; yet others are available only when a
particular configuration option was chosen at the time when Python was
compiled and installed.

This manual is organized "from the inside out:" it first describes the
built-in functions, data types and exceptions, and finally the
modules, grouped in chapters of related modules.

This means that if you start reading this manual from the start, and
skip to the next chapter when you get bored, you will get a reasonable
overview of the available modules and application areas that are
supported by the Python library.  Of course, you don't *have* to read
it like a novel --- you can also browse the table of contents (in
front of the manual), or look for a specific function, module or term
in the index (in the back).  And finally, if you enjoy learning about
random subjects, you choose a random page number (see module "random")
and read a section or two.  Regardless of the order in which you read
the sections of this manual, it helps to start with chapter Built-in
Functions, as the remainder of the manual assumes familiarity with
this material.

Let the show begin!


Notes on availability
=====================

* An "Availability: Unix" note means that this function is commonly
  found on Unix systems.  It does not make any claims about its
  existence on a specific operating system.

* If not separately noted, all functions that claim "Availability:
  Unix" are supported on Mac OS X, which builds on a Unix core.
