Python Refresh: Import

As a programmer, you must have come across the import statement in Python. It is a very powerful and essential component for every developer to use. In this article, we'll be taking a deeper dive into the import statement and its various use cases.

Importing Modules

A module in Python is simply a file with Python code. It can contain functions, classes, and variables. You can import modules into your Python script using the import statement. Here's an example:

import random

print(random.randint(1, 10))

In this example, we are importing the random module, which provides us with various random number generators. We are then using the randint method to generate a random integer between 1 and 10.

Using Aliases

Sometimes, you may want to use a shorter name for a module. You can do this using an alias. Here's an example:

import random as r

print(r.randint(1, 10))

In this example, we are importing the random module and giving it an alias of r. We can then use the r alias instead of random throughout our code.

Importing Specific Components

You can also import specific components from a module using the from statement. Here's an example:

from random import randint

print(randint(1, 10))

In this example, we are importing the randint function directly from the random module. We can then use randint without needing to reference the random module.

Importing Everything

Finally, you can import everything from a module using the * operator. Here's an example:

from random import *

print(randint(1, 10))
print(random())

In this example, we are importing everything from the random module. We can then use randint and random without needing to reference the random module.

Conclusion

The import statement is a powerful tool in the Python language. It allows you to import modules, aliases, specific components, and even everything from a module. Hopefully, this refresher has given you a better understanding of how to use import in your Python code.