What are Python modules?
A Python module is a Python file containing a set of functions and variables to be used in an application. The variables can be of any type (arrays, dictionaries, objects, etc.)
Modules can be either:
1. Built in
2. User-defined.
1) User-defined Modules
Create a Module
To create a module, create a Python file with a .py extension.
Call a Module
Modules created with a .py extension can be used in another Python source file, using the import statement.
Here’s an example of a simple module, myModule.py:
#myModule.pydef myFunction( parameter ): #define a function in myModule.pyprint "Course : ", parameterreturn
To call this Python module myModule.py, create
another Python file callModule.py file and use the import statement.
import myModule.py:myModule.myFunction(“Python Programming”)
When the Python interpreter encounters an import statement, it imports the module if it is present in the search path.
A search path is a list of directories that the interpreter searches for importing a module.
When the above code is executed, the following output is produced:
#myModule.pydef myFunction( parameter ): #define a function in myModule.pyprint ("Course : ", parameter)return
2) Built-in Modules
There are several built-in modules in Python, which you can import whenever you like.
Call a built-in Module
To call a built-in Module and use the function of that module write:
import moduleName #call a module
moduleName.function()#use module function
import mathprint("The value of cosine is", math.cos(3))print("The value of sine is", math.sin(3))print("The value of tangent is", math.tan(3))print("The value of pi is", math.pi)
Benefits of modules in Python
There are a couple of key benefits of creating and using a module in Python:
Structured Code
- Code is logically organized by being grouped into one Python file which makes development easier and less error-prone.
- Code is easier to understand and use.
Reusability
Functionality defined in a single module can be easily reused by other parts of the application. This eliminates the need to recreate duplicate code.
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