title: accessing and manipulating hardware using python
body: <p>So I am trying to learn how to have a program access other nonintegrated hardware devices (such as an RFID). What I do not quite understand is how the program can access the device's interal functions. Is there a certain library/libraries needed to do so or is using/creating hardware drivers needed? </p>
  
  <p>For the project that I am working on currently, I basically am trying to have the program use a device's various functions in certain situations. For example, how would I request the program to change the song on an ipod or to pause it? This is assuming the ipod has a wired connection to the computer already. </p>
  
  <p>For my actual project, I will be incorporating a speech recognition program (later on, I will make my own. For now I will be using Dragonfly). So, when I say certain commands, it would need to tell the device to act on that command such as telling a home integration system to turn of the lights in the house or electric door lock to lock/unlock.</p>