Course Glossary
Intermediate Python for Developers
**kwargs (arbitrary keyword arguments): A convention where two asterisks before a parameter collect extra
keyword arguments into a dictionary, enabling flexible named inputs to a function
*args (arbitrary positional arguments): A convention where a single asterisk before a parameter collects any
extra positional arguments into a tuple, allowing functions to accept a variable number of inputs
Built-in function: A function provided by Python's standard library that you can call directly without importing a
module, such as len(), sum(), or print(), to perform common tasks
DataFrame: A two-dimensional, labeled data structure provided by pandas that stores tabular data in rows and
columns, similar to a spreadsheet or SQL table
Default argument: A parameter in a function definition that has a predefined value used when the caller does
not supply that argument
Docstring: A short string placed at the start of a function, module, or class that documents what it does and
how to use it, accessible via help() or the __doc__ attribute
DRY (Don't Repeat Yourself) principle: A software design guideline encouraging reuse of code and abstraction
to avoid duplication and reduce maintenance effort
Hallucination: When a model produces confident but incorrect or fabricated information, often due to gaps or
biases in its training data or reasoning process
Hallucination: When a model produces confident but incorrect or fabricated information, often due to gaps or
biases in its training data or reasoning process
Function: A named block of reusable code defined with def that performs a specific task and can accept inputs
(arguments) and return outputs
import: A Python statement that brings a module or package into your current script so you can use its
functions, classes, and attributes
KeyError: A built-in exception raised when attempting to access a mapping (like a dictionary or DataFrame
column) using a key that does not exist
Keyword argument: An argument passed to a function by explicitly naming the parameter (name value), which
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improves clarity and allows arguments in any order
Lambda function: A short anonymous function defined with the lambda keyword that contains arguments, a
colon, and a single expression and is useful for simple, inline operations
map(): A built-in function that applies a provided function to every item of an iterable and returns an iterator of
the results
M ethod: A function that is associated with a specific data type or ob ect and is called using dot notation, such
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as DataFrame head()
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M odule: A single Python file ( py) that contains reusable code like functions, classes, and variables which can be
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imported into other scripts
Package: A collection of related Python modules organi ed in a directory (often distributed as a library) that
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can be installed and imported to add functionality to pro ectsj
pandas: A popular third-party Python package for data manipulation and analysis that provides powerful data
structures like DataFrame for working with tabular data
pip: he standard package installer for Python used from the command line to download and install packages
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from PyP into your environment
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Positional argument: An argument passed to a function based on its position in the call, where the order of
values determines which parameter they match
PyP (Python Package ndex): he central public repository of Python packages where developers publish
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libraries that others can install and use
raise: A statement used to intentionally trigger an exception, optionally with a custom message, to signal an
error condition or enforce input validation
Traceback: he detailed report Python prints when an exception occurs that shows the call stack and the
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location(s) in code where the error propagated
try-except block: A control-flow structure that attempts to run code in the try section and lets you handle
specific exceptions in one or more except clauses to prevent program termination
TypeError: A built-in exception raised when an operation or function is applied to an ob ect of inappropriate
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type, like adding a string to an integer
V alueError: A built-in exception raised when a function receives an argument of the right type but an
inappropriate value, such as converting hello to float
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