How to import top level files in python using init

Question

I want to import main_file.py from sub_file.py, i have my init files setup. I am able to do in my main_file.py:

from sub_folder.sub_file import *

However i do not know how to do it the other way around.

This is my structure:

|+main_folder
|--_init_.py
|--main_file.py
|++sub_folder
|---_init_.py
|---sub_file.py

Use underscore (_) instead of - then import main_folder.main_file — lmiguelvargasf
– lmiguelvargasf, Commented Apr 21, 2017 at 16:46
You might be interested in this The Anatomy of a Python Project. It's possible to do a editable install of your code to make it available like a package. — russau
– russau, Commented Apr 21, 2017 at 16:46
its just sudo code but i tried it but it does not seem to work — edmamerto
– edmamerto, Commented Apr 21, 2017 at 16:47

9000 · Accepted Answer · 2017-04-21 17:47:14Z

3

The old way:

Make sure the directory with main_folder is on your sys.path;
from main_folder import main_file.

The new, usually better way:

from ..main_folder import main_file

This has the advantage of never clashing with system imports. If you rename your main_folder to e.g. math, from math import my_func will crash, because stdlib's math does not have this function, or import from your module, depending on sys.path. OTOH from ..math import my_func will definitely always import from your own module.

If in doubt, always print sys.path before your failing import statement to understand if you're actually looking at the right directories.

answered Apr 21, 2017 at 17:47

9000

41k9 gold badges70 silver badges108 bronze badges

Sign up to request clarification or add additional context in comments.

Collectives™ on Stack Overflow

How to import top level files in python using init

1 Answer 1

Comments

Your Answer

Hot Network Questions

Collectives™ on Stack Overflow

1 Answer 1

Comments

Your Answer

Sign up or log in

Post as a guest

Related