the_information_nexus/tech_docs/python/important_functions.md

Here are the most important Python functions to learn and master:

Built-in Functions

1. print() - Output text and variables
2. input() - Capture user input
3. len() - Get the length of objects (strings, lists, etc.)
4. range() - Generate sequences of numbers
5. type() - Check the data type of an object
6. int(), float(), str(), bool() - Type conversion functions
7. sum(), min(), max() - Mathematical operations on iterables

String Methods

1. split() - Convert string to list
2. join() - Combine list elements into string
3. strip() - Remove whitespace
4. replace() - Substitute text
5. upper(), lower() - Change case

List Methods

1. append() - Add item to end
2. extend() - Add multiple items
3. insert() - Add item at specific position
4. remove() - Delete by value
5. pop() - Remove by index

Dictionary Methods

1. get() - Retrieve value safely
2. keys(), values(), items() - Access dictionary components
3. update() - Merge dictionaries

File Operations

1. open() - Access files
2. read(), write() - File I/O operations
3. with statement (context manager)

From Standard Libraries

1. datetime.datetime() - Date/time handling
2. random.randint(), random.choice() - Generate random values
3. os.path.join() - File path manipulation
4. json.loads(), json.dumps() - JSON processing
5. re.search(), re.findall() - Regular expressions

From Third-Party Libraries

1. pandas.DataFrame() - Data analysis
2. numpy.array() - Numerical computing
3. matplotlib.pyplot.plot() - Data visualization

Mastering these functions will give you a solid foundation for most Python programming tasks.