XML Processing with Python

5.4. Modules

Python programs can consists of many files. Each file is known as a module. To gain access to the contents of a Python module, import the module by using the import keyword.

Python comes with a vast array of modules which, by default, live in the python/lib subdirectory.

The following example imports the string module and calls the upper function it provides. This function converts a string to all uppercase characters.

CD-ROM reference=5024.txt
>>> import string
>>> print string.upper ("Hello World")
HELLO WORLD
>>>

Python is case sensitive. This case sensitivity applies to keywords, variables, and modules.

The following statement fails because Import is not a keyword.

CD-ROM reference=5025.txt
>>> Import string Syntax Error: ...