Adding functions to Python Shell

Question

Let's say I define the following function:

def roots(a,b,c):
    top = (b*b - 4*a*c)**0.5
    p1 = (- b + ( top ) )/(2*a)
    p2 = (- b - ( top ) )/(2*a)
    print(p1)
    print(p2)

I want to be able to call roots(a,b,c) inside the python shell. How can I accomplish this?

I expect the result to be something like.

Python 3.8.6 (tags/v3.8.6:db45529, Sep 23 2020, 15:52:53) [MSC v.1927 64 bit (AMD64)] on win32                                                                                                                                     
Type "help", "copyright", "credits" or "license" for more information.                                                                                                                                                             
>>> roots(2,3,1)
-0.5
-1.0
>>>

If you run the script containing the function as python3 -i your_file.py it opens an interpreter session with the function available in scope. Otherwise you can just start an interpreter and run from your_file import roots which should be enough. — cs95
– cs95, Commented Oct 31, 2020 at 23:56

cs95 · Accepted Answer · 2020-11-02 03:05:27Z

3

Assuming your functions are defined in a python script functions.py, you have two options:

Run your script with -i flag to start an interactive session using python3 -i functions.py. This opens an interactive session with the functions in functions.py available in scope.
Alternatively, in the same directory containing functions.py, just start an interpreter and run from functions import roots.

answered Nov 2, 2020 at 3:05

cs95

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Markus Hirsimäki · Accepted Answer · 2025-01-31 13:07:47Z

0

If you add the code to sitecustomize such as /usr/lib/python3.13/sitecustomize.py it will be loaded automatically in all sessions and virtual environments.

answered Jan 31 at 13:07

Markus Hirsimäki

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