What are the coolest Python tricks? I’ve compiled this list of the best Python tricks—in reverse order. Without further ado, let’s dive into those crazy one-liner Python features, tricks, and functions:
18. Modifying Iterable Elements 1/2
The function map(func, iter) executes the function func on all elements of the iterable iter.
list(map(lambda x: x[0], ['red', 'green', 'blue'])) # ['r', 'g', 'b']
Related article: Which is Faster — List Comprehension or the Map Function in Python
17. Modifying Iterable Elements 2/2
The function call map(func, i1, ..., ik) executes the function func on all k elements of the k iterables.
list(map(lambda x, y: str(x) + ' ' + y + 's' , [0, 2, 2], ['apple', 'orange', 'banana'])) # ['0 apples', '2 oranges', '2 bananas']
Related article: How to Get Rid of Python’s Map Function
16. Transform Iterables to Strings
The function call string.join(iter) concatenates all elements in an iterable iter separated by string.
' marries '.join(list(['Alice', 'Bob'])) # 'Alice marries Bob'
Related article: How to Print a Python List Beautifully
15. Filtering Iterables
The function call filter(function, iterable) filters out elements in iterable for which function returns False (or 0).
list(filter(lambda x: True if x>17 else False, [1, 15, 17, 18])) # [18]
Related article: How to Filter in Python
14. Trim Strings
The function call string.strip() removes leading and trailing whitespaces from string.
print(" \n \t 42 \t ".strip())
# 42Related article: Python Trim String [Ultimate Guide]
13. Basic Sorting
The built-in function call sorted(iter) sorts iterable iter in ascending order.
sorted([8, 3, 2, 42, 5]) # [2, 3, 5, 8, 42]
Related article: Python List Sort [Ultimate Guide]
12. Custom Sorting
The built-in function call sorted(iter, key=func) sorts according to the key function func in ascending order.
sorted([8, 3, 2, 42, 5], key=lambda x: 0 if x==42 else x) # [42, 2, 3, 5, 8]
Related article: Sorting with the Key Argument in Python
11. Help
The function call help(func) returns documentation of func.
help(str.upper) # '... to uppercase.'
Related: Become a Python master — and Join Our Community of Tens of Thousands of Ambitious Python Coders!
10. Zip
The function call zip(i1, i2, ...) groups the k-th elements of iterators i1, i2, … together.
list(zip(['Alice', 'Anna'], ['Bob', 'Jon', 'Frank']))
# [('Alice', 'Bob'), ('Anna', 'Jon')]Related article: Zip Function in Python
9. Unzip
Equal to:
- unpack the zipped list, and
- zip the result.
list(zip(*[('Alice', 'Bob'), ('Anna', 'Jon')]))
# [('Alice', 'Anna'), ('Bob', 'Jon')]Related article: Unzip Function in Python
8. Smart Iteration
The function call enumerate(iter) assigns a counter (index) value to each element of the iterable iter.
list(enumerate(['Alice', 'Bob', 'Jon'])) # [(0, 'Alice'), (1, 'Bob'), (2, 'Jon')]
Related article: The Ultimate Guide to Python Lists
7. Start a Web Server
Want to share files between PC and phone? Run this command in PC’s shell. <P> is any port number 0–65535. Type <IP address of PC>:<P> in the phone’s browser. You can now browse the files in the PC directory.
python -m http.server <P>
Related article: Python One-Liner Webserver HTTP
6. Read Comic
Open the comic series xkcd in your web browser.
import antigravity
Related: Download Your Cheat Sheet “Python Tricks”
5. Zen of Python
Get valuable advice of how to write Pythonic code.
import this # '...Beautiful is better than ugly. Explicit is ...'
Related article: About Guido’s Article: “Fate of Reduce() in Python 3000”
4. Swapping Numbers
Swapping variables is a breeze in Python. No offense, Java!
a, b = 'Jane', 'Alice' a, b = b, a # a = 'Alice' # b = 'Jane'
Related article: Python Interview Questions
3. Unpacking Arguments
Use a sequence as function arguments via asterisk operator *. Use a dictionary (key, value) via double asterisk operator **.
def f(x, y, z):
return x + y * z
f(*[1, 3, 4])
f(**{'z' : 4, 'x' : 1, 'y' : 3})
# 13
# 13Related article: The Asterisk Operator in Python
2. Extended Unpacking
Use unpacking for multiple assignment feature in Python.
a, *b = [1, 2, 3, 4, 5] # a = 1 # b = [2, 3, 4, 5]
Related article: Python Slice Assignment
1. Merge Two Dictionaries
Use unpacking to merge two dictionaries into a single one.
x={'Alice' : 18}
y={'Bob' : 27, 'Ann' : 22}
z = {**x,**y}
# z = {'Alice': 18, 'Bob': 27, 'Ann': 22}Related article: Python Dictionary — The Ultimate Guide
Where to Go From Here?
Enough theory. Let’s get some practice!
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You build high-value coding skills by working on practical coding projects!
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If you just want to learn about the freelancing opportunity, feel free to watch my free webinar “How to Build Your High-Income Skill Python” and learn how I grew my coding business online and how you can, too—from the comfort of your own home.