How To Import In Python

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In this blog post, we will learn how to import libraries and modules in Python, enabling us to use a wide range of functionalities and tools in our code. We will cover simple imports, importing specific functions or classes, and using aliases for imports.

Simple Imports

Python has a vast collection of built-in libraries and modules designed to expand its capabilities. To make use of these modules, we need to import them. The simplest way to import a module is by using the import statement. For example, let’s import the math library that provides mathematical functions and constants:

    import math

After importing the math library, we can use any function or constant it provides. For instance, we can compute the square root of a number using the math.sqrt() function:

    import math

    number = 9
    square_root = math.sqrt(number)
    print("The square root of", number, "is", square_root)

Importing Specific Functions or Classes

Sometimes, we might only need specific functions or classes from a module. In this case, we can use the from…import statement to import just those. Let’s import the sqrt() function from the math library:

    from math import sqrt

    number = 16
    square_root = sqrt(number)
    print("The square root of", number, "is", square_root)

In this example, we no longer have to use the math prefix before calling the sqrt() function. We can directly call the function as we have imported it explicitly.

Using Aliases for Imports

When importing libraries or modules, we can assign an alias to simplify their usage in our code. This is particularly useful when dealing with libraries with long names or when using multiple libraries with similar names. To assign an alias, use the as keyword after the import statement. Let’s import the math library with an alias:

    import math as m

    number = 25
    square_root = m.sqrt(number)
    print("The square root of", number, "is", square_root)

In this example, we have assigned the alias m to the math library. Now, we can use this shorter name to call any function or constant provided by the library.

Conclusion

Importing libraries and modules in Python expands the functionality of your code and allows you to take advantage of the vast ecosystem of available tools. With simple imports, importing specific functions or classes, and using aliases, you can easily include and manage external resources in your projects. Happy coding!