Python Modules
What is a Module?
Let’s consider a module to be the same as a code library.
It is just a file containing a set of functions you want to include in your
application.
To create a module just save the code you want in a file with the file extension
.py. Save this code in a file named [Link]
def greeting(name):
print("Hello, " + name)
Use a Module
Now we can use the module we just created, by using the import statement:
import mymodule
[Link]("Jonathan")
Variables in Module
The module can contain functions, as already described, but also variables of
all types (arrays, dictionaries, objects etc):
person1 = {
"name": "John",
"age": 36,
"country": "Norway"
}
Import the above module, and access the person1 dictionary:
import mymodule
a = mymodule.person1["age"]
print(a)
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:
import mymodule as mx
a = mx.person1["age"]
print(a)
Built-in Modules
There are several built-in modules in Python, which you can import whenever
you like.
import platform
x = [Link]()
print(x)
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:
import platform
x = dir(platform)
print(x)
Import From Module
You can choose to import only parts from a module, by using the from
keyword.
def greeting(name):
print("Hello, " + name)
person1 = {
"name": "John",
"age": 36,
"country": "Norway"
}
from mymodule import person1
print (person1["age"])
Python Scope
What is a Scope?
A variable is only available from inside the region it is created. This is called
scope.
Local Scope
A variable created inside a function belongs to the local scope of that
function, and can only be used inside that function.
def myfunc():
x = 300
print(x)
myfunc()
Function Inside Function
The variable x is not available outside the function, but it is available for any
function inside the function.
def myfunc():
x = 300
def myinnerfunc():
print(x)
myinnerfunc()
myfunc()
Global Scope
A variable created in the main body of the Python code is a global variable
and belongs to the global scope.
Global variables are available from within any scope, global and local.
x = 300
def myfunc():
print(x)
myfunc()
print(x)
Global Keyword
If you need to create a global variable, but are stuck in the local scope, you
can use the global keyword.
The global keyword makes the variable global.
def myfunc():
global x
x = 300
myfunc()
print(x)
Nonlocal Keyword
The nonlocal keyword is used to work with variables inside nested functions.
The nonlocal keyword makes the variable belong to the outer function.
def myfunc1():
x = "Jane"
def myfunc2():
nonlocal x
x = "hello"
myfunc2()
return x
print(myfunc1())
You’re now expert about
Python Modules and Scope
