Read and write binary data

[Mars creature]

Hi guys,
  I am new to Python, and thinking about migrating to it from matlab
as it is a really cool language. Right now, I am trying to figure out
how to control read and write binary data, like
'formatted','stream','big-endian','little-edian' etc.. as in fortran.
I googled, but can not find a clear answer. Anyone has clue where can
I learn it? Thanks!!
Jinbo