Python: Importing a File in the Same Directory

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Python Import File in Same Directory

Python is a versatile programming language that offers numerous features and capabilities for developers. One particularly useful functionality we will explore in this tutorial is the ability to import files located in the same directory as our Python script. This is a common practice when organizing your code and making it more modular and reusable.

Step 1: Creating the File Structure

Before we dive into the code, let’s set up our file structure. Create a new directory on your machine and name it “my_project”. Inside this directory, create two files: “main.py” and “utils.py”. The “main.py” file will be our main script, and the “utils.py” file will contain some auxiliary functions that we want to import into our main script.

Step 2: Writing the Auxiliary Functions

Open the “utils.py” file and write the following code:

def add_numbers(a, b):
    return a + b

def multiply_numbers(a, b):
    return a * b

Here, we have defined two simple functions, add_numbers and multiply_numbers, which will perform addition and multiplication operations, respectively.

Step 3: Importing the Functions

Now, let’s move on to our main script in the “main.py” file. Open this file and ensure that the following code is included at the beginning:

from utils import add_numbers, multiply_numbers

In this line of code, we are using the from keyword to specify the file “utils.py”, and importing the add_numbers and multiply_numbers functions from it. By doing so, we can access these functions directly in our main script.

Step 4: Using the Imported Functions

Now that we have imported the functions, let’s put them to use. In the “main.py” file, write the following code:

result_1 = add_numbers(5, 10)
result_2 = multiply_numbers(3, 7)

print("The result of adding numbers is:", result_1)
print("The result of multiplying numbers is:", result_2)

Here, we are calling the add_numbers function with arguments 5 and 10 and storing the result in the variable result_1. Similarly, we are calling the multiply_numbers function with arguments 3 and 7 and storing the result in the variable result_2. Finally, we are printing the results to the console.

Step 5: Running the Script

To execute our Python script, open a command prompt or terminal window and navigate to the “my_project” directory. Once inside the directory, run the following command:

python main.py

You should see the following output:

The result of adding numbers is: 15
The result of multiplying numbers is: 21

Congratulations! You have successfully imported functions from a file located in the same directory and used them in your Python script.

Conclusion

In this tutorial, we have learned how to import files from the same directory in Python. By organizing your code into separate files and importing them when needed, you can enhance the modularity and reusability of your codebase. This is a fundamental concept that will prove useful as you continue your Python programming journey.

Continue practicing and exploring Python’s vast functionalities to become a proficient developer. Happy coding!