Python is a powerful and popular programming language used for a wide range of applications, from web development to artificial intelligence. With its simple syntax and extensive libraries, Python has become a go-to language for developers around the world. However, when it comes to importing modules in Python, there are two distinct ways of doing so - absolute and explicit relative import. In this article, we will explore the differences between these two approaches and when to use them.
Before we dive into the specifics of absolute and explicit relative import, let's first understand what importing modules means in Python. Simply put, importing a module allows us to access functions, classes, and variables defined in that module. This allows us to reuse code and make our programs more organized and efficient.
Now, let's take a closer look at absolute and explicit relative import and their differences. Absolute import, as the name suggests, uses the absolute path to import a module. This means that the full path from the root directory to the module is specified in the import statement. For example, if we want to import the math module, we would use the following statement:
```
import math
```
On the other hand, explicit relative import uses the relative path to import a module. This means that the path to the module is specified relative to the current module. For example, if we want to import a function named "add" from a module named "calculator", which is located in the same directory as our current module, we would use the following statement:
```
from .calculator import add
```
Note the use of a dot (.) before the module name in the import statement, indicating that the module is located in the same directory as the current module.
Now that we understand the basic differences between absolute and explicit relative import, let's discuss when to use each approach. Absolute import is the preferred method when importing from a third-party module or a standard library module. This is because these modules are usually installed in a specific location on our system, and using the absolute path ensures that the correct module is imported.
On the other hand, explicit relative import is useful when importing from modules within the same package or subpackage. This approach is especially useful when we have modules with the same name in different packages, as it allows us to specify the exact module we want to import.
Another difference between absolute and explicit relative import is that explicit relative import is only available in Python 3, while absolute import can be used in both Python 2 and 3. This is because Python 3 introduced the concept of explicit relative import to address some confusion and inconsistencies in absolute import.
In conclusion, both absolute and explicit relative import have their own use cases and benefits. While absolute import is the preferred method for importing third-party and standard library modules, explicit relative import is useful for importing modules within the same package. Knowing when and how to use each approach is essential for writing clean and efficient Python code.
In summary, absolute and explicit relative import are two ways of importing modules in Python, with each having its own advantages and use cases. As a Python developer, it is important to understand these differences and choose the appropriate approach based on the situation at hand. With this knowledge, you can write more organized and efficient code, making the most out of the powerful features of Python.
