In Python, methods are functions that are associated with objects and are integral to the language’s object-oriented programming paradigm. They enable developers to perform operations on data contained within objects, enhancing code efficiency and readability. Python provides a variety of built-in methods for different data types, such as strings, lists, and dictionaries, allowing for seamless data manipulation. For instance, string methods like .upper() and list methods like .append() simplify complex tasks with minimal code. Understanding and utilizing methods is essential for effective programming in Python, as they promote cleaner and more maintainable code structures.