5/18/22, 2:29 PM Python Modules

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Python Modules
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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 :

Example
Save this code in a file named mymodule.py

def greeting(name):

  print("Hello, " + name)

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

Example
Import the module named mymodule, and call the greeting function:

import mymodule

mymodule.greeting("Jonathan")

Run Example »

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):

Example
Save this code in the file mymodule.py

person1 = {

  "name": "John",

  "age": 36,

  "country": "Norway"

Example
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Import the module named mymodule, and access the person1 dictionary:

import mymodule

a = mymodule.person1["age"]

print(a)

Run Example »

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:

Example
Create an alias for mymodule called mx :

import mymodule as mx

a = mx.person1["age"]

print(a)

Run Example »

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

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Example
Import and use the platform module:

import platform

x = platform.system()

print(x)

Try it Yourself »

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:

Example
List all the defined names belonging to the platform module:

import platform

x = dir(platform)

print(x)

Try it Yourself »

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

Import From Module

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

Example
The module named mymodule has one function and one dictionary:

def greeting(name):

  print("Hello, " + name)

person1 = {

  "name": "John",

  "age": 36,

  "country": "Norway"

Example
Import only the person1 dictionary from the module:

from mymodule import person1

print (person1["age"])

Run Example »

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"]

Test Yourself With Exercises

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Exercise:
What is the correct syntax to import a module named "mymodule"?

mymodule

Submit Answer »

Start the Exercise

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