10.8. Summary
Description: Python from novice to pro
Keywords: Python, Dive Into Python, tutorial, object-oriented, programming, documentation, book, free

# Dive Into Python Python from novice to pro | Find:

## 10.8. Summary

Python comes with powerful libraries for parsing and manipulating XML documents. The `minidom` takes an XML file and parses it into Python objects, providing for random access to arbitrary elements. Furthermore, this chapter shows how Python can be used to create a "real" standalone command-line script, complete with command-line flags, command-line arguments, error handling, even the ability to take input from the piped result of a previous program.

Before moving on to the next chapter, you should be comfortable doing all of these things:

- Chaining programs with standard input and output
- Defining dynamic dispatchers with `getattr`.
- Using command-line flags and validating them with `getopt`