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Python Modules

Learn all about Python Modules in this comprehensive tutorial.

5 min read intermediate
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  • •Consider a module to be the same as a code library.
  • •To create a module just save the code you want in a file with the file extension .
  • •Now we can use the module we just created, by using the import statement:
  • •The module can contain functions, as already described, but also variables of all types (arrays, dictionaries, objects etc):
  • •You can name the module file whatever you like, but it must have the file extension .
  • •You can create an alias when you import a module, by using the as keyword:
  • •There are several built-in modules in Python, which you can import whenever you like.
  • •There is a built-in function to list all the function names (or variable names) in a module.
  • •You can choose to import only parts from a module, by using the from keyword.

What is a Module?

Consider a module to be the same as a code library.

A file containing a set of functions you want to include in your application.

Create a Module

To create a module just save the code you want in a file with the file extension .py:

python

Use a Module

Now we can use the module we just created, by using the import statement:

python
Note: Note: When using a function from a module, use the syntax: module_name.function_name.

Variables in Module

The module can contain functions, as already described, but also variables of all types (arrays, dictionaries, objects etc):

python
python

Naming a Module

You can name the module file whatever you like, but it must have the file extension .py

Re-naming a Module

You can create an alias when you import a module, by using the as keyword:

python

Built-in Modules

There are several built-in modules in Python, which you can import whenever you like.

python

Using the dir() Function

There is a built-in function to list all the function names (or variable names) in a module. The dir() function:

python
Note: Note: The dir() function can be used on all modules, also the ones you create yourself.

Import From Module

You can choose to import only parts from a module, by using the from keyword.

python
python
Note: Note: When importing using the from keyword, do not use the module name when referring to elements in the module. Example: person1["age"], not mymodule.person1["age"]

Module quiz

2 questions
1

Which of the following is true about Python Modules?

2

What is the most common pitfall when working with Python Modules?

Answer all questions to submit.

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