Python int() built-in function
From the Python 3 documentation
Return an integer object constructed from a number or string x, or return 0 if no arguments are given.
Introduction
The int() function in Python is a built-in function that allows you to convert a value into an integer. It can take a string or a number as an argument and will return the integer equivalent. This is particularly useful when you need to perform mathematical operations that require whole numbers or when you need to ensure that a value is of the integer type.
Examples
>>> # transform a string to an integer
>>> from_integer = int('29')
>>> from_integer
# 29
>>> type(from_integer)
# <class 'int'>
>>> # transform a float to integer
>>> from_float = int(-3.14)
>>> from_float
# -3
>>> type(from_float)
# <class 'int'>
>>> # return an empty string
>>> int()
# 0