Using methods defined in init.py within the module

Question

Suppose I have the following directory structure:

lib\
--__init__.py
--foo.py
--bar.py

Inside foo and bar, there are seperate methods that both need the same method. For instance:

foo:

def method1():
    win()

bar:

def method2(number):
    if number < 0:
        lose()
    else:
        win()

__init__:

def win():
    print "You Win!"

def lose():
    print "You Lose...."

Is there a way to use the win and lose methods within the init.py in the modules respective subfiles, or do I have to create another file within the folder and have foo and bar import that?

Julian · Accepted Answer · 2012-09-05 18:38:22Z

12

Yes, just import the __init__.py module (via either an absolute or relative import, it doesn't really matter).

I never like relative imports, so I'd do so with import mypackage in mypackage.foo, which imports the __init__.py just like a relative import does, and then using it there. I also don't like putting anything in __init__.py though generally, so perhaps you should consider the shared common file anyhow.

answered Sep 5, 2012 at 18:38

Julian

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2 Comments

Fred Foo Over a year ago

There are clear reasons for using relative imports, with maintainability being the primary one. See PEP 328. (I agree with the advice to keep __init__.py as empty as possible, though.)

Julian Over a year ago

I'm aware of the reasons there, I just don't think they're good (or outweigh the reasons for absolute imports) :).

user2665694 · Accepted Answer · 2012-09-05 18:26:33Z

7

Use relative imports:

from . import win, lose

answered Sep 5, 2012 at 18:26

user2665694

4 Comments

Julian Over a year ago

Relative imports are not really the point here, the point is just that you need to import __init__.py, however you'd like to do so.

Bakuriu Over a year ago

Julian, easel solution works. from . import win, lose imports "win" and "lose" from ".", which is the current package = __init__.py.

Julian Over a year ago

@Bakuriu of course it works, I just said it's not really the point here, the point is just to import the module containing the functions -- how you do so is up to you :).

Bakuriu Over a year ago

Ah okay. I misunderstood your comment. Next time I'll read twice before replying :s By the way, I, instead, like relative imports... de gustibus non est disputandum :)

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