> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://python4ai.codewithsiva.dev/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# External tools

> Extend Python with packages

## Beyond built-in Python

Python comes with many built-in functions, but its real power comes from external packages. These are pre-written code libraries that add new capabilities.

## What are packages really?

Packages are just Python files containing code - typically combinations of functions (which you've learned) and classes (coming later). When you import a package, you're bringing that functionality into your project.

Two types of packages:

* **Built-in**: Come with Python installation (already in your environment)
* **External**: Downloaded from the internet into your virtual environment folder

## Python's ecosystem

Python has packages for everything:

* **Web scraping**: Extract data from websites
* **Data analysis**: Process spreadsheets and databases
* **AI/ML**: Build intelligent applications
* **APIs**: Connect to online services
* **Automation**: Control your computer

## What you'll learn

<CardGroup cols={3}>
  <Card title="Import packages" icon="download" href="/libraries-apis/importing-modules">
    Use external code
  </Card>

  <Card title="Work with APIs" icon="globe" href="/libraries-apis/working-with-apis">
    Connect to services
  </Card>

  <Card title="Working with data" icon="database" href="/libraries-apis/working-with-data">
    Process data efficiently
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

## Package examples

Here are packages you'll likely use:

* `requests` - Make web requests
* `pandas` - Work with data tables
* `beautifulsoup4` - Parse HTML
* `openai` - Use AI models
* `python-dotenv` - Manage secrets

<Tip>
  When you need to do something, search "Python package for \[task]" and you'll likely find options.
</Tip>

## Let's begin!

Start by learning how to import and use packages.

<Card title="Import packages" icon="arrow-right" href="/libraries-apis/importing-modules">
  Add new capabilities
</Card>