Python Package

Simplifying Your Python Imports: How to Import by Class, Not File

When working with Python, particularly in larger projects, managing imports effectively becomes crucial. You might find yourself wanting to access classes directly from their package rather than their respective files. This method can make your code cleaner and easier to read. In this blog post, we’ll address how to achieve this in your Python projects with a simple structure.

The Problem

Consider the following file structure for your Python application:

app/
  app.py
  controllers/
    __init__.py
    project.py
    plugin.py

In this case, if you define a class Project in project.py, importing it in app.py would traditionally look like this:

from app.controllers.project import Project

However, what if you want your import statement to be shorter and cleaner? You may wish to import it like this:

from app.controllers import Project

This not only simplifies your import statements but keeps your codebase looking more organized. The question arises: How can you set this up?

The Solution

To streamline your import process and allow importing classes directly from a package, you need to make a slight modification in your __init__.py file located in the controllers directory.

Step-by-Step Guide

Open the __init__.py file: This file is typically used for initializing your Python package and allows you to control what gets imported when you import the package itself.
Add the import statement: To allow the Project class to be imported directly from controllers, add the following line to your __init__.py:
```
from project import Project
```
This tells Python to import the Project class from project.py automatically when you import the controllers package.
Adjust for Absolute Imports: With the introduction of Python 2.7 and beyond, absolute imports become the default mode for imports. To avoid potential conflicts with a top-level module that could inadvertently share a name (like project), it’s beneficial to include a dot to indicate a relative import. Thus, you would modify your import in __init__.py to:
```
from .project import Project
```
This signifies that the Project class is being imported from the current package (controllers).

Key Takeaways

By modifying your __init__.py, you streamline your imports significantly.
Using the dot (.) in front of the module name ensures that you are referencing the correct module, which is especially useful in larger applications with possible naming conflicts.
This practice not only enhances the readability of your code but also helps you maintain a clear structure as your project expands.

Conclusion

By following the simple steps outlined above, you can enhance your Python coding practices by making your imports more straightforward. This technique not only saves time but also contributes to clean, maintainable code. Remember, a well-structured application begins with managing your imports effectively!

Feel free to experiment with this approach in your own projects and see the difference it makes!