Modular Programming with Python

Chapter 7. Advanced Module Techniques

In this chapter, we will look at a number of more advanced techniques for working with modules and packages. In particular, we will:

• Examine the more unusual ways in which the import statement can be used, including optional imports, local imports, and how to tweak the way importing works by changing sys.path
• Briefly examine a number of "gotchas" relating to importing modules and packages
• Take a look at how you can use the Python interactive interpreter to help develop your modules and packages more quickly
• Learn how to work with global variables within a module or package
• See how to configure a package
• Discover how to include data files as part of your Python package.

Optional imports

Try opening the Python interactive ...