What is Utility Function in Python?

A utility function in Python is a small, self-contained piece of code that performs a specific task. It's called a "utility" because it's a helpful tool that makes a certain task easier to perform. These functions are not meant to be standalone, but rather to be used in conjunction with other code. They are reusable and can be used in multiple places within a project, making code easier to maintain.

Utility functions in Python can take parameters and return values, just like any other function. They can be called from within other functions, scripts, or modules. Utility functions are often used to perform repetitive tasks or calculations, such as formatting data, or calculating the length of a string.

Some common examples of utility functions in Python include string manipulation functions like strip(), replace(), and split(), as well as mathematical functions like sum() and max().

Utility functions are an important part of software development and can make code more readable and maintainable. They can also improve code efficiency by reducing the need for repetitive code.

When writing utility functions, it's important to consider readability, reusability, and maintainability. The function should be named clearly and descriptively and should be easy to understand and use. Good documentation and comments can also improve the readability of utility functions.

In conclusion, utility functions in Python are small, reusable pieces of code that perform specific tasks. They make code easier to maintain and improve its efficiency. When writing utility functions, it's important to consider readability, reusability, and maintainability.

Example Code

Output:

72°F is equivalent to 22.22°C

In this example, the convert_to_celsius function takes a temperature in Fahrenheit as an input and returns the equivalent temperature in Celsius. The function uses the formula celsius = (fahrenheit - 32) * 5 / 9 to perform the conversion. The function is self-contained and can be reused in multiple parts of the code.

Note that the function has a docstring that explains what it does and how to use it, making it easier for other developers to understand and use.

2.

Output:

hello world!

In this example, the strip_and_lowercase function takes a string as input and returns a new string with leading and trailing whitespace stripped and all characters in lowercase. The function uses the strip() and lower() string methods to perform the operations. The function is self-contained and can be reused in multiple parts of the code.