Understanding the Difference Between import something and from . import something in Python

Explore the key differences between `import something` and `from . import something` in Python. Learn how Python manages module imports in package directories for effective coding.
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Understanding the Difference Between import something and from . import something in Python

When working with packages and modules in Python, you may encounter different import statements that can affect how your code executes. A common question that arises among developers is: What is the difference between import something and from . import something? Understanding this difference is crucial for effectively managing your Python modules, especially when dealing with directory structures.

Let's break down the concepts step by step!

The Directory Structure

Before diving into the differences in import statements, let's look at the directory structure we're working with:

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In this structure:

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This function merely prints "inv called" when called.

The Problem with import linalg

In your __init__.py file, if you try to use the following import statement:

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You may encounter an error like:

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Why Does This Error Occur?

The Solution: Using Relative Imports

Now, if you change your import statement in __init__.py to:

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Why Does This Work?

When you use from . import linalg, the dot (.) signifies a relative import. This means:

The dot refers to the current package, which is noobpy.

Since noobpy does contain the module linalg, the relative import works seamlessly.

Key Points to Remember:

Absolute Imports: The statement import linalg assumes linalg is at the top level of the Python search path. This will fail if linalg is within a package that's not explicitly in the search path.

Relative Imports: Using from . import linalg tells Python to look for linalg within the current package context. This is how you can successfully access modules nested within packages.

Conclusion

Understanding the distinction between import something and from . import something is crucial for working effectively with Python packages. By leveraging relative imports when necessary, you can avoid common pitfalls associated with module visibility and ensure your code runs as intended.

Take the time to set up your directory structures thoughtfully and pay attention to how you're importing your modules. This will help maintain clean and functional code as your projects grow in complexity.

Happy Coding!