`import module` vs. `from module import`: Which Python Import Strategy is Best?

Determining the Best Import Strategy: 'import module' vs. 'from module import'

Python offers two primary methods for importing modules: 'import module' and 'from module import.' While both approaches facilitate access to external code, they present distinct advantages and considerations.

'import module'

Pros:

• Maintains import statements with minimal update requirements.
• Reduces verbose code and redundancy when accessed frequently.

Cons:

• Requires longer syntax (e.g., module.foo) to access module elements.

'from module import foo'

Pros:

• Simplifies code by eliminating the module prefix (e.g., foo is directly accessible).
• Allows selective import of specific module elements, providing greater control.

Cons:

• Demands frequent updates to import statements when importing new elements.
• Contextualization (e.g., math.ceil() vs. ceil()) is compromised.

Additional Gotchas to Avoid

While both methods have their use cases, it's strongly advised against using 'from module import *.' For larger codebases, this approach can lead to dependencies that are difficult to identify and potentially hinder future code modifications.

Conclusion

The choice between 'import module' and 'from module import' is ultimately subjective. Consistency and preference are key factors to consider. However, it's crucial to avoid the 'from module import *' syntax due to its potential for introducing hidden dependencies and maintenance challenges. By carefully evaluating the pros and cons of each approach, developers can make informed decisions that align with their programming style and code maintainability.

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