Import

Definition

The term 'import' in the context of Python programming refers to the process of bringing in and using functionality, data, or modules from external sources within a Python script or program. It allows developers to leverage existing code and resources to enhance their own applications.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The 'import' statement is used to bring in functionality from a module, allowing you to use the objects (variables, functions, classes, etc.) defined within that module.
2. Imported modules can be accessed using the dot notation, such as 'module_name.object_name', to reference specific objects within the module.
3. The 'from' keyword can be used with 'import' to selectively import specific objects from a module, rather than importing the entire module.
4. The 'as' keyword can be used with 'import' to assign an alias to an imported object, making it easier to reference within your code.
5. The 'sys.path' variable in Python is used to specify the directories where Python searches for modules to import.

Review Questions

• Explain the purpose of the 'import' statement in Python and how it relates to module basics.
  • The 'import' statement in Python is used to bring in functionality from external modules, which are essentially Python files containing definitions and statements. By importing a module, you can access the objects (variables, functions, classes, etc.) defined within that module, allowing you to reuse and integrate existing code into your own programs. This is a fundamental aspect of module basics, as modules provide a way to organize and share code, promoting modularity and code reuse in Python applications.
• Describe how the 'import' statement can be used to selectively import names from a module and how this relates to the concept of importing names.
  • In addition to importing an entire module, the 'import' statement can be used to selectively import specific names (objects) from a module. This is done using the 'from' keyword, followed by the module name and the names to be imported. This approach allows you to bring in only the necessary objects from a module, rather than the entire module, which can help manage namespace conflicts and reduce the size of your code. The concept of importing names is closely tied to this selective import functionality, as it enables you to control which names are available in your program's namespace.
• Explain how the 'import' statement affects the execution of top-level code in a Python module and how this relates to the concept of top-level code.
  • When a module is imported, Python executes the top-level code within that module, which includes any statements or definitions that are not within a function or class. This means that the 'import' statement can trigger the execution of code outside of the specific objects (functions, classes, etc.) that are being imported. This behavior is important to understand in the context of top-level code, as it can have implications for the order of execution and the state of the program when the imported module is used. Developers need to be mindful of the top-level code in their modules and how it might interact with the rest of their application.

Related terms

Module:

A module in Python is a file containing Python definitions and statements that can be imported and used by other Python programs.

Namespace:

A namespace is a container that holds a collection of named entities, such as variables, functions, and classes, to avoid naming conflicts.

Dependency: A dependency in programming is a piece of software or a module that a program needs in order to function properly.