Use the Standard Library
Keep adding new skills with 10,000+ programs for $239 (usually $399). Save now.
Use the Standard Library
Included with
Learn more
Ask Coursera
Recommended experience
Recommended experience
What you'll learn
How to efficiently use Python's Standard Library modules for real-world applications.
How to manipulate file paths using the os.path module.
How to manage dates, times, and timezones with the datetime module.
How to generate random numbers and control random states with the random module.
Skills you'll gain
Tools you'll learn
Details to know
May 2026
2 assignments
See how employees at top companies are mastering in-demand skills
There are 2 modules in this course
Unlock the full potential of Python through its powerful Standard Library. This course takes you on a comprehensive journey, helping you understand how to leverage Python's built-in tools and modules to make your programming more efficient and effective. You'll dive into modules like os, datetime, math, sys, and random, exploring essential functions, and learning how to manage files, dates, times, and more in Python.
You will start by gaining an overview of the Standard Library and how to import modules, followed by detailed lessons on practical modules that are commonly used in everyday programming. The course covers hands-on topics such as manipulating file paths with os.path, working with date and time in datetime, and handling system-level functionality through sys. Additionally, youβll also explore the random module for generating random numbers, and how to make the most out of Pythonβs built-in utilities. This course is perfect for intermediate programmers who want to deepen their Python skills. It is designed for those who are familiar with Python basics and want to learn more about its built-in tools and libraries. The course is beginner-friendly but requires basic Python knowledge to get started. By the end of the course, you will be able to import and utilize various Python Standard Library modules effectively, work with file paths and system environments, perform date and time calculations, and generate random data for your applications.
In this module, we will introduce the Python Standard Library, exploring the essential tools it provides for efficient programming. You will learn how to import and utilize various modules from the Standard Library to enhance your Python coding experience. This section sets the foundation for diving deeper into specific Python modules and their functionalities.
What's included
3 videos1 reading
3 videosβ’Total 38 minutes
- Overviewβ’3 minutes
- What is the Standard Libraryβ’16 minutes
- Access the Standard Libraryβ’19 minutes
1 readingβ’Total 10 minutes
- Full Course Resourcesβ’10 minutes
In this module, we will dive into the practical use of key Python Standard Library modules such as os, datetime, math, sys, and random. Youβll learn how to manipulate files, perform date arithmetic, manage runtime environments, and generate random values. By the end of this section, youβll be equipped with essential tools for Python development.
What's included
12 videos2 assignments
12 videosβ’Total 322 minutes
- Use the os Moduleβ’27 minutes
- Use the os.path Moduleβ’29 minutes
- Use the os.path Module Part 2β’27 minutes
- Use the datetime Module: Getting Startedβ’29 minutes
- Use the datetime Module: Timedeltas and Arithmeticβ’21 minutes
- Use the datetime Module: Comparisonsβ’24 minutes
- Use the datetime Module: Parsing and Timezonesβ’26 minutes
- Use the math Moduleβ’27 minutes
- Use the sys Module: Interpreter Settingsβ’24 minutes
- Use the sys Module: Runtime Environmentβ’28 minutes
- Use the sys Module: Modules and Importsβ’28 minutes
- Use the random Moduleβ’32 minutes
2 assignmentsβ’Total 75 minutes
- Full Course Assessmentβ’60 minutes
- Full Course Practice Assessmentβ’15 minutes
Instructor
Offered by
Explore more from Software Development
- Status: Free Trial
Course
- Status: Free Trial
Course
- Status: Free TrialL
LearnQuest
Course
- Status: Free Trial
Why people choose Coursera for their career
Frequently asked questions
The Python Standard Library is a collection of modules and packages that come bundled with Python. It provides built-in tools and functionality for tasks such as file handling, math operations, working with time, and interacting with the operating system. It is relevant because it allows developers to accomplish a wide range of tasks without needing to install additional packages, making it a key aspect of efficient programming in Python.
This course covers an in-depth look at the Python Standard Library, specifically focusing on modules that help with various tasks, such as file management with os, working with dates and times using datetime, performing mathematical operations with math, and more. It teaches how to effectively utilize these built-in tools to simplify Python development and reduce the need for third-party libraries.
After completing this course, you will have a comprehensive understanding of how to use Python's Standard Library to handle various tasks, from managing files and paths to performing mathematical calculations and working with dates. You'll be able to import and work with different modules effectively, streamlining your development process and making your code more efficient.
More questions
Financial aid available,
