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Python Python Basics (Retired) Say Hello to Python Help Hotline

Posted by Adiv Abramson
Adiv Abramson
6,919 Points

Why is the help system divided between help() and dir()? It's confusing, at least to me. :-\

Help should give help on every topic related to a keyword, IMHO. What if you don't know whether something is an attribute or not? What does dir() stand for anyway? It looks like the DOS Dir command of yore. Thank you.

1 Answer

Kenneth Love
STAFF
Kenneth Love
Treehouse Guest Teacher
Kenneth Love
Kenneth Love
Treehouse Guest Teacher

help() gives you the docstring that's associated with a particular bit of Python. dir() shows you all of the attributes and methods of a particular object's class. They're similar, but fill two different niches. dir() is more exploratory, you're curious what all is available or you forgot the name of something. help() is there to actually explain things a little better.