For asynchronous programming in Python, `asyncio` stands out as a vital library. It provides a framework that revolves around writing concurrent code using the async/await syntax introduced in Python 3.5. `asyncio` is used for developing server-side applications, database connection libraries, and speed enhancements in web frameworks. Here's a concise reference guide for common use cases with `asyncio`, aiding in understanding and implementing asynchronous programming: # `asyncio` Reference Guide ## Installation `asyncio` is included in the standard library of Python 3.5 and later, so no additional installation is necessary. ## Basic Usage ### Importing asyncio ```python import asyncio ``` ### Running an Async Function ```python async def main(): print('Hello') await asyncio.sleep(1) print('World') # Python 3.7+ asyncio.run(main()) ``` ### Creating Tasks ```python async def say_after(delay, what): await asyncio.sleep(delay) print(what) async def main(): task1 = asyncio.create_task(say_after(1, 'hello')) task2 = asyncio.create_task(say_after(2, 'world')) print('Started tasks') # Wait until both tasks are completed await task1 await task2 asyncio.run(main()) ``` ### Waiting with `asyncio.gather` ```python async def main(): # Schedule three calls concurrently await asyncio.gather( say_after(1, 'hello'), say_after(2, 'world'), say_after(3, '!') ) asyncio.run(main()) ``` ## Working with I/O Operations ### Using asyncio for Asynchronous I/O `asyncio` provides support for asynchronous I/O operations, such as reading and writing to files, network requests, and database operations, using the `aiohttp` library for HTTP requests, for example. ### Example: Asynchronous HTTP Requests ```python import aiohttp async def fetch(url): async with aiohttp.ClientSession() as session: async with session.get(url) as response: return await response.text() async def main(): html = await fetch('http://python.org') print(html[:100]) asyncio.run(main()) ``` ## Event Loop ### Understanding the Event Loop The event loop is the core of `asyncio` applications, handling execution of asynchronous tasks, callbacks, and I/O events. Use `asyncio.run()` to run the top-level entry point “main()” function. ### Managing the Event Loop Manually For fine-grained control over the event loop, you can manage it manually, which is more common in complex applications and libraries. ```python loop = asyncio.get_event_loop() try: loop.run_until_complete(main()) finally: loop.close() ``` `asyncio` makes it easier to write and manage asynchronous code, facilitating the development of efficient and scalable applications, especially for I/O-bound and high-level structured network code. It's a powerful tool in the Python standard library, enabling developers to leverage asynchronous programming patterns for improved performance.